I’ve long ago lost count of how many times I’ve strolled around this little lake. Some of the walks ended in the studio, and were transformed into diary paintings; recordings of light and colour. Last month, I took the same walk – as always, staying a while on the crossing between the two lakes; listening and recording. Afterwards, I opened the I Ching – the Book of Changes. It then gave me the image of Lake over Earth, also known as Gathering Together. This was on point, really, since Ljudtornet/ Soundtower had just invited me to a collaboration for Art’s Birthday in January… Even more heartening, the Book of Changes suggested the gathering would transform into Fire over Earth – signifying Progress.

Yesterday, I took that walk around the lake once more. Sun was low even in midday, on this day between a full moon and the winter solstice. I met a friend from long ago. A chilly northern wind swept over the lakes. No birds were to be seen…

…but another day – back in the 1950’s – a man went out here to collect bird sounds with his tape recorder. When playing the tape afterwards, he heard not only birdsong, but also awkward sounds like distant human voices. He believed these strange recordings to be messages from the deceased, and committed the rest of his life to explore them. The man lived right beyond this bridge, and must have crossed it many times. His name was Friedrich Jürgenson.

The gate to Nysund mansion, formerly home of the Jürgenson family

Here and now, I just rejoice in being. In the upcoming Art’s Birthday celebration, some of the Nysund diary paintings will be transformed into sound art and light projections by my Ljudtornet colleagues – I’m deeply honoured, and very happy.

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