Vattensjuka

^{_{title: Vattensjuka
location: Långbyn, Sweden
material: bulrush, woolblend with local Helsingerfår
project: AiR Örebro län
date: april-mei 2023}}

STORIES OF THE LAND

In my barn studio, I create cartographic feltscapes that reflect the landscape of my residency using fibers from Långbyn’s land. I craft felt, using wool from Helsinger sheep and other local fibers, layering the wool and treating it with soap and water to entangle the fibers. This process explores the intersection of humanity and nature in shaping the landscape. The feltscapes of Långbyn’s land are based on a historical map from the 1840s found in the Lantmäteriet archives, which was composed in the fields by a cartographer of that era.

A conversation with an expert in the field of water quality in the Örebro län region shows that a lot of work is being done to improve the quality of the water in the many lakes of this region, but that it is very difficult to reduce the phosphate and reduce nitrogen content. Possible solutions are removing fish (as a way of removing nutrition), a ban on manure along the edges of the lakes and raising the water level. The cooperation of landowners is required for a solution. At information evenings, authorities try to convince landowners of the importance of raising the water level. Landowners will have to turn agricultural land into water and that is very difficult for Swedish farmers, who are very attached to their acquired property, to accept. Farmers are also given the opportunity, supported by the government, to allow straightened streams to meander again. The water storage capacity of the streams is increased by such an intervention. With heavy rainfall resulting from climate change, more water can be retained, which means that the water level can be replenished in times of drought.