I-Land by Helena Johansson Lindell

Artist list

Helena Johansson Lindell

With a low-brow attitude, a predilection for things kitschy, childish, cheap, I choose materials, colours and shapes. The process of choosing is for the most part intuitive and the making is low-tech. I am not trying to be smart or “heady” about “things”. I am interested in bodily experiences - the emotional, the sensual, the energetic.

I struggle with the hierarchical structures that we live in and the ideas that some things, some ways, some people are better or worth more than others. By embracing the materials, the ways and personal qualities that, from a societal perspective, are considered low class, low status or simply bad taste, and by owning and being these things, be it childish, feminine, queer, intuitive, emotional, sensual, I wish to share my view and open up for a conversation on those structures.

I pick up materials from yard sales and 2nd hand stores, plastics mostly and occasionally wood - toys and kitchenware. I cut them up into “clean” shapes and colours and puzzle them together into new combinations. I use saw, glue and file in the process of making. I enjoy simple and repetitive techniques and the intimacy that comes from the use of hand tools.

My intention is to create jewellery and objects that affect the body rather than the intellect. I want my pieces to infuse a sense of permission, that everything is allowed and without judgment. I want my pieces to create a ripple effect of bright, playful and uninhibited creations and actions in the world.