Gunn Asveig Manflå

During his studies in Kristiansand, Gunn Asveig discovered the joy of creating with a camera.

– I fell in love with photography and felt the pieces fall into place. Composing, creating something from scratch and putting elements together did something for me – preferably out in nature, which is my favorite studio.

Since then, Gunn Asveig has worked with photography in many genres, mainly as a fashion photographer, but also as an art photographer. She is interested in how physical spaces can affect people mentally.

– Take a dental clinic, where many people come in extremely nervous. If it's a nice room, with a picture on the wall that makes you daydream or think about something else, it can make a big difference.

Alongside her career, she has been a volunteer course leader for the Norwegian Cancer Society for several years, where she teaches participants photography techniques. The courses conclude with an exhibition at the Radium Hospital.

Passion for ice swimming

Today, Gunn Asveig works as an environmental educator and contributes to both the Photo/Video and Empower lines. However, there is a completely different area that she describes as her greatest passion.

– The most fun and best job I have is being an ice swimming instructor.

Every Wednesday morning, before the school day starts, she organizes the elective course, year-round swimming. The elective brings together students across disciplines, and according to Gunn Asveig, creates both unity and mastery.

– It gets people out of their comfort zone, while also giving them a kick of dopamine and adrenaline. 

She describes herself as an addict, and tries to swim three times a week. The students learn to use their breath as a tool, which she is convinced gives them a lot in return.

– When you go into the cold water, you reset everything. It's mindfulness deluxe.

The offer has become so popular that there is now a waiting list to join. For Gunn Asveig, this is also a picture of what a folk high school can be.

– We are like a small sample of the Norwegian population. The students come from different places, with different backgrounds and interests, and then they gather here and get to know each other.