Embedded Files
Karley Schoenberg
Hej hej. I've always been fascinated with Scandinavian culture and aesthetics. ‘Art for all’ and democratic design make for a designer’s utopia. There is some special about the style: lightness, informality, and comfort. We see pride and care in the handmade "hemsjold" pieces and honesty in the plants, bare wood floors, and rag rugs. There is beauty in the world, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to soak it all in!
Tony Reamer
The majority of people we've met speak English, but at very diverse levels of fluency. At the skateparks, emergency rooms, and on the streets I was most impressed with people's ability to communicate in a non-verbal manner with me and I with them. In the museums, we stand alongside people speaking all kinds of languages, from Chinese to French to Arabic. Somehow the art speaks to us all and we find ourselves, as one, delighted by bright colors or delighted by unexpected movement. At the end of the day, we all long for connection with one another despite language, age, or social barriers. In many ways, we are all constantly speaking the same language with our body language, verbal signals, and how we actually speak what we are trying to say.
Aaron Lind
I've fallen in love with Linnaeus University. The design of their buildings, especially the art department, gives an open community feeling. There is so much space dedicated to students and professors working together it doesn't even feel like a school. It's more like a giant studio. On several occasions I looked into a room and found a sofa inside. By allowing students to structure their work-space however they want, not only promotes positive learning environments, but also makes each area look unique, so no one space is like another.
Amy Bendtsen
In Växjö, sustainability is a culture, rather than a practice. The Swedes think of sustainable ways to do everything they do, even art. We found old and new buildings made with local lumber, and always energy efficient and designed to make the best of passive solar. More wooden high rise buildings are built in Växjö than anywhere in Sweden. We've seen lots of interior designs similar to the arts and crafts style where the rooms are functional, open and cozy. They give proof that we can live with a sustainable lifestyle going forward.
Claire Weyrauch
I expected to have a big "culture shock" moment going into this trip. I've never been outside the U.S. before, so this was a totally new experience. But most things are the same. You still drive by fields filled with cows, people are still cool with stopping to let you pet their dog, the grocery store still sells Pringles. The biggest difference is the power outlets, really. That, and there are medieval castles and more cobblestone streets.
Olivia Ridlon
As a studio artist, seeing Georg Trakas' work at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebaek, Denmark was an amazing experience. He created a meandering walkway called Self Passage that guides participants down to the water through a series of narrow stairs and paths that only one person can take at a time. We came down to a secret sitting place, surrounded by trees, with a view of across the Öresund Sound to Sweden. To me, that emphasized individual exploration and fulfillment. I'm grateful to be on this trip. I can't wait to come back to this area!
Ashley Antus
The art piece called The Tree of Life and Knowledge in the Växjö Cathedral is an enormous candelabra the size and shape of a small tree. It was made by artists, Erik Höglund and Lars Larsson in 1968. Covered in glass leaves, it is decorated with birds, apples, and candles. The Tree of Life is amazing and was especially meaningful to me because it connects life with beauty. Here in Sweden, I find myself noticing the way light fits into the culture. We see lots of light sculptures, rooms with many windows, and candles like ones in this piece of art.
Sara Minder
My favorite part of this trip has been the Karin and Carl Larsson's house. Our tour guide focused on Karin Larsson's contributions to art and society. Karin wasn't famous during the time Carl was, so I think it's amazing and empowering that she's getting recognized now. What especially struck me is the number of embroideries Karin did in the home, which really add to the character of the house. Plus these embroideries appear in many of Carl's paintings. This really goes back to my study of Ellen Key the Swedish feminist writer and social reformer. Key believed that beauty and design begin in domestic settings and is fostered by women.
Report abuse