Helen Edling
Roslagen, Sweden/Newcastle, United Kingdom
Artist
https://www.instagram.com/helenedling
Björkö Konstnod (BKN) is a truly remarkable place— one that has carved out a vital role for artists like myself, for the local community, and for the broader cultural scene.
When I had the chance to work at BKN earlier this year, I experienced firsthand what makes this place so unique. My project focused on patterns and traces, mapping the overlooked marks, cracks, and movements in and around the house. For me, it was about finding beauty in the everyday and telling stories that often go unnoticed. But what truly made the experience special was the atmosphere at BKN: the openness to experiment, the connections formed with other artists, and the sense of being part of something bigger.
BKN is more than a residency— it’s a meeting point for ideas, conversations, and collaborations. Artists from different backgrounds and disciplines come here to share, inspire, and learn from one another. These exchanges are priceless, both personally and professionally, and they ripple outward, enriching Norrtälje, Roslagen, and beyond.
At a time when creative spaces face increasing challenges, BKN stands as a beacon of hope. It nurtures artists, celebrates culture, and builds bridges between the local and the global. I can only hope that this extraordinary place will continue to thrive, offering the same sense of possibility and inspiration for years to come.
For me, and for so many others, BKN is a gift— a space that reminds us of the value of art, community, and the connections that bind us together. Long may it continue.
