Hi, my name is Sean Oistad.

I trace the beginning of my artistic career back to early childhood, watching my older brother doodle and attempting to do the same. Together, we learned how to draw through years of practice and shared, blossoming creativity. Throughout grade school, I continued to explore different media, gradually developing a strong appreciation for three-dimensional work.

I attended Virginia Commonwealth University fully intent on becoming a mechanical engineer. I enjoyed mathematics, and at the time it felt like a safe and expected career path. Over time, I realized that I was pursuing mechanical engineering not out of genuine passion, but out of obligation. That realization led me to shift my focus and follow my true interests in the arts. In 2016, I graduated with a BFA in Craft and Material Studies, with a concentration in woodworking and furniture design.

After graduation, I found work at a woodworking facility that mass-produces frames, cutting boards, and custom awards. The men and women there shared invaluable techniques drawn from years of experience—lessons I could never have learned in a classroom alone. While I gained a great deal from that environment, I also came to understand that it was not where I envisioned my future. In a mass-production setting, quantity is often prioritized, sometimes at the expense of quality.

I want to take time with each piece I create, to focus on intentional details, and to place quality above all else. Because of this, I made the decision to take myself seriously as a maker and to embark on my own journey with Oistad Studio. While I continue to work full time, I dedicate my remaining time to creating handcrafted pieces for my family, my friends, and those who commission my work.