American Faces #107 - Go fly a kite - No.1

American Faces No. 107

I guess as a 55 year old commercial photographer I am regressing into my childhood.  Stay with me on this though.  I’ve always thought kites were fascinating, cool and attention grabbing, no matter how simple or ornate, from as young as I can remember. Here’s where a man named David H. who makes wonderfully simple kites comes into the story.  David is a calm demeanored, inviting and talkative man who lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota; the very place he worked for decades as an elementary school teacher.  This 80+ year old man is still a teacher at heart as he has taught children and adults alike to make kites that not only fly well but allow for creative expression to whatever one's mind can create.  

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David’s kites aren’t made from silk, nylon or some high level sail cloth with a hefty cost; they are made from plastic bags found in the Minneapolis metro area.  There are many colors of bags that each kite builder can choose from in the kite kits David assembles.  Each kit has  dowels, string, and all the necessities to bring structure and make the kites flight ready.  I could sense the old educator in this soft spoken man.  He told me about the flight properties of what he calls a sled kite as well as guided me through the kite making process step-by-step. He showed me patterns of dragons, unicorns and other line drawings to suit just about anyone's fancy. Along with kite kits, markers are provided to add individuality and artistic touches to your kite at David’s kite making workshops. He talked of his times with people young and old, groups that were large and small who came to the workshops he has been asked to lead all around Minnesota. I could hear his joy as he told me about people building kites, creatively embellishing the kite and then flying them.

Kites are just fun and even simple kites can put a smile on people's faces no matter  if they are 20 feet off the ground or one hundred feet high into a bright blue sky.  David, now well into his 80’s has helped mold the lives of many people by being an educator, kite maker, workshop leader and just a good guy.  

So how do I close this one?  Go have fun!  Take your daughter, son, nephew, niece, grand-daughter, grandson, friend or neighbor and go fly a kite.  Laugh and just live.  Pretty sure you won’t regret it. I promise.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #106 - Compassion Defined

American Faces No. 106

Here is the meaning of compassion:  To see the suffering of others and to choose to walk alongside them.

I think woven into the very DNA of Rob Bergfalk is a gene for compassion.  Ok maybe there isn’t a gene but I do think there is a deep soul-level drive that moves Rob to make a difference in the community he has been called to.  That community is Anoka, MN where he first started Compassion Church in 2021.  From that 2021 church launch, a small church has grown into a group of people who are making a tangible difference in their community. You can find them serving at Stepping Stone, Hope 4 Youth or with people in the community who are experiencing homelessness. Then, in 2024 Rob and Compassion Church opened Compassion Coffee; open daily Monday - Saturday serving amazing coffee along with pastries from its next door neighbor Krown Bakery.  The vision for Compassion Coffee is to empower people affected by homelessness.  They hope to provide employment, skill training and resources for those who are struggling.

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Rob isn’t just a guy that talks the good talk; he is a man who lives out the true meaning of compassion. He talks with kindness and dignity to his employees and patrons alike. He also shared a story of how the compassion mindset of the coffee shop was able to bring rest and warmth for those struggling in the community.   It was very stirring for me to hear his heart for people.  

As our time was ending, I asked him the question, “Why do people need compassion?”   He shared, “Everyone struggles in some way, shape or form.  Everyone needs someone to care, to see them, to remind them that they are loved.”  It is through caring that true change is possible in people's lives.

My hope is that those who read this help reflect the definition of compassion in some way in 2025.  The world will definitely be a better place because of our actions!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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American Faces #105 - 180 degrees

American Faces No. 105

I realized many of my American Faces subjects have been Makers of one sort or another.  I guess maybe I am drawn to tell the stories of those who carefully craft from a sketched-out drawing on a piece of paper or a napkin with dreams drawn over a coffee ring.  It is the vision for what can be and moving that vision to reality.  I suppose, in many ways, the images I create are much like that as well. 

Justin Rosckes is one of those talented Makers and is subject #105 of American Faces. Justin runs Midwest Woodcraft which is headquartered in a shop at his home in Corcoran, MN.  His website displays much of his talent and skill, so be sure to check it out.  What really blew me away is his talent for creating functional pieces of art from wood. He has honed his skills in old-world techniques to hold pieces together, like the t.v. trays that are crafted using only wood rather than screws or modern fasteners. He has the talent of a master woodworker. 

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But that is not the beginning of the story.  Justin began his adult career in the automotive industry where he was a technician and securely set in the industry.   Yet, as he and his wife contemplated what family life meant to them and what the future looked like they knew a change for Justin was a part of that plan. A 180 degree pivot from modern technology in the auto industry to old-world craftsmanship was just what they needed.  Justin is a man who loves his family and his fellow man.  I heard it as I spoke with him.  At times I felt like I was being interviewed, but maybe that is what this American Faces series is all about; just conversations with new friends. 

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So what’s the takeaway for this one?  Sometimes a pivot or change unlocks who you are meant to be.  For Justin that meant becoming an exceptional woodworker and a guy who mills his own wood from once standing trees.  For you that might mean being adventurous and climbing a mountain. For me, it might mean being ready for whatever the future has in store.  Be open to change, it might just help create the best version of you yet.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios 

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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