(Archive) THE PRESENT IS A GIFT

Knitted rhythms of nature

The Present is a Gift a presents a collection of knit surfaces made of natural materials found in Swedish nature. The textiles carry out the transient beauty of a continuously changing landscape, emphasizing cycles of growth and decay that are inherent in nature. By placing the raw materials on a statue to admire, this work aims to stimulate a closer bond between human beings and nature.

The textiles have come to life through closely listening to the streams of the natural environment. Each piece represents its discovery point, revealing the plant’s identity, and showing the wether circumstances of the period wherein the material was harvested.

The natural materials are carefully “laid in” the structure of loops during the process of knitting. This labor intensive process questions the notion of time during the design process. For example, the act of knitting with pinecone scales can be considered time consuming. But when one realizes that it takes about 18 months for a female pinecone to be fully developed, time becomes relative.

Life on earth is a playground full of natural existing connecting elements and species.