Helena was a driving force in many projects, and as a designer, researcher, teacher, and source of inspiration, she made a profound impression on colleagues, students, and others. She had a unique ability to approach new and challenging assignments, both national and international, with contagious positive energy. Her deep commitment to sustainability and her belief in the inherent power of working with one’s hands and the potential of natural materials shaped her practice.
Helena had a rare talent for creating and thinking together with others. Through the co-creation of places, objects, atmospheres, networks, and methods, she made space for reflection and learning in ways that included everyone, regardless of previous experience.
She gave life to philosophical ideas such as Bruno Latour’s theory of relational agency and Martha Nussbaum’s capabilities approach, in for example the many woven baskets that, like footprints, testified to the impact she made.
Working with Helena was an adventure. Wherever she went, she found friends, potential collaborators, or someone who needed a helping hand. She had a remarkable gift for helping others recognise their own strengths and for encouraging them to realise their plans. She cherished craft and sloyd, something she carried with her from childhood and which became central to her later work. She knew that when we build together, what we create will be strong and meaningful, and that when something breaks, the act of mending becomes part of the shared experience.
Thank you, Helena, for all that you gave and created together with us. All of us who met you along the way now will take on the responsibility of carrying our projects forward—together.
Elena Raviola, Kalle Klockars and Karl Hallberg
