Bending the wooden attribute of birch bark
- Emma experiments with birch bark for its soft and leathery texture
- She authored two books about this material and her craft
- She has a master's degree in textile design from the Swedish School of Textiles
Emma Dahlqvist found herself immersed in the fascinating realm of birch bark soon after a couple of quick trials in a school workshop. Based in Östersund in Sweden, Emma is a designer and material artist celebrated for her inventive approach to working with her material. She has authored two books, Näver in 2019 and Fläta in 2022, in which she presents her unique take on birch bark crafting and basketry. Emma's engagement with birch bark transcends its technical aspects. She investigates the material's history, and its myriad uses spanning millennia. Inspired by folk art, the crafts of the past and the beauty of nature, Emma focuses on conveying a sense of motion and texture in her art. "My goal is to give birch bark pride of place in modern design and craftsmanship, fashioning pieces that have a textile-like quality and seem to be in motion," she says.
Interview
- How would you define what you do?
- I position myself as a material-focused artist and designer. Since 2014, I have been experimenting and developing new methods of dealing with birch bark. I combine traditional and digital, more experimental techniques, such as laser cutting, transfer heating and pressing. I aim to develop the experience and qualities of this material so that it can be used in craftsmanship today.
- What do you specialise in?
- I am a trained textile designer, and with this academic background, I study the particular properties of birch bark and explore how to innovate with it – such as using it for origami or basket weaving. Even though it is a wood product, birch bark is soft and leathery. I often combine it with fabric in my creations.
- What challenges have you faced in your craft?
- One of the greatest challenges that I have faced as an artisan is explaining to clients the value and time invested into my work. It is a time-consuming craft. I found my niche in site-specific work, public work and shows. Working in the art world allows me to further express the value of my work.
- What is a memorable moment in your practice?
- A highlight is a public art commission in my hometown Östersund. In collaboration with other craftspeople, I am creating a large outdoor sculpture in wood and metal. This large-scale cultural heritage installation measures 4 metres high and 2 metres wide.
Emma Dahlqvist is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2014 and she started teaching in 2019
Where
Emma Dahlqvist
