Elena Berg Österdahl (b. 1985) is a designer and artist based on Gotland, Sweden, the isle of her birth, and in Gryon, Switzerland. Educated at the University of Jönköping’s School of Engineering, with a bachelor’s degree in Product Development in Furniture Design, and a major in Applied Technology, she had long known that she wanted to follow an artistic path, but with a technical foundation. Her education combines both theory and practice, with a focus on the market, as well as projects taken directly from the furniture industry.
â
“Often my creations have both functionality and the ability to change. I am driven by expanding on traditional concepts and by the vivid contrasts in shapes and materials. Imagine, the idea that you can craft shimmering shapes that seduce with pure elegance! Metal is fascinating because while it often needs to be "wrestled” with strength and decisiveness, sometimes even the softest hands are required. It is alive and at the same time the most reusable material on our planet. Patinated metal also tells a unique story. There is something melancholy in creating with a material that withers slowly, but still so visibly. “Rust is metal in decomposition, like a flower that fades!"
ABOUT
EDUCATION
2010-2012
School of Engineering, Jönköping University, SE
Bachelor’s Degree with a specialization in Product Development in Furniture Design and a major in Application of Technology 180 credits.
2011
Internship at Skulpturfabriken, Gotland, SE
3D modelling, construction drawings, sculpture, decorating.
2007-2008
School of Art, Gotland, SE
2006-2007
Nyckelviksskolan, Stockholm, SE
Coursework: wood, form, and handcraft.
â
â
ONGOING/UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
2024
(Mars), Villars Palace Art Fair, Villars-sur-Ollon, CH
â
EXEBITHIONS
2023
(July-August), Rånäs slott, Rånäs, SE
2023
(September) “Från hällmarken” Konsthantverkarna Karlstad, SE
2023
(October) “Bakom blomman”Galleri STUK, Visby, SE
2022
Mixed Minds, Gotland, SE
2021
Mixed Minds, Gotland, SE
2017 >
Participated in group exhibitions with the cooperative GKF, Gotland, SE
2016
"Girl! Fire Walk with Me”, Glasstudion Big Pink, art performance together with Jennie Olofsson, Gotland, SE
2014 >
Öppna Ateljéer, Gotland, SE
Art rounds and exhibition at Gotlands Konstmuseum.
2011
Stockholm Furniture Fair, Stockholm, SE
Exhibitor of my own designed and manufactured furniture.
2009
Art exhibition at Gotlandshem, SE
2009
Art exhibition at Svenska spel, Gotland, SE
â
â
â
PROJECT
2017-2018
Garden decoration and development of bird feeders for private customers, Gotland, SE
2017
Unique, custom furniture for private client, CH
2016
Product development of Kitchen Utensils for chef Luqaz Ottosson for the 2017 Chef of the Year competition, SE
2016
Unique custom furniture for private client, CH
â
COMISSIONS & MEMBERSHIP
2020 >
Elected chairman of the cooperative GKF- Gotland Artisans & Designers with continued confidence in 2022, Gotland, SE
2017 >
Member of the cooperative Gotländska Konsthantverkare & Formgivare, Gotland, SE
2022 >
Election committee of Svensk Form Gotland
2018 >
Svensk Form
2011
Stockholm Furniture Fair, Stockholm, SE
Project manager for the education's participation in the fair.
â
â
GRANTS & AWARDS
2022
Special Assignment, Region Gotland, SE
2021
Special Assignment, Region Gotland, SE
2020
GKF named ”Årets Formbärare” by Svensk Form Gotland, SE
2017
Black Wild Tulip named by Elmia Garden as a "Future Garden Trend 2018". SE
â
â
PUBLICATIONS
2022
Caisa Gyllengårde, Emma Jönsson Dysell, Annika Gustavsson Nyberg "Våga Våga: 100 inspirerande kvinnor om mod och vägen till eget företag" (in swedish)
2018
Roger Björkman, “Hemvändarna” Gotlands Guiden (in swedish)
2017
Mari Winarve, “Elena och Jerome” Radio Gotland (in swedish)
2016
Maria Molin, “Berättar om naturen i metall” Kulturöjn (in swedish)
2015
Malin Vinblad “Bergstrollet hittar hem" Forum Gotland (in swedish)
â
â
WORKSHOP
2018 >
Recurring workshop “Create your own flower in metal”, Gotland, SE