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In a forest, a man and a woman are holding onto large pieces of birch bark, with more pieces down on the ground.
Aia Jüdes with woodmaker John Lindholm
Before creating her unique designs Aia Jüdes spent a lot of time with the birch bark woodmakers in Dalarna region.
Photo credit: Aia Jüdes

Stockholm, a design city – interview with artist Aia Jüdes

We asked Aia Jüdes, an expert in high end handicraft, subcultures and art, to share her best places to visit in Stockholm.

Multi-talented Aia Jüdes got lots of attention when she used birch bark to create unique objects. She is just as comfortable in the woods of Dalarna, learning skills from the birch bark woodmakers, as she is in the city of Stockholm.

When we asked Aia Jüdes to share her best places to visit in Stockholm she starts off by mentioning a place south of the city center, Design Lab Skärholmen. It’s not a tourist attraction but she stresses its importance for the local community and the future of Swedish design: 

“Design Lab Skärholmen with its creative director Samir Alj Fält has a wonderfully refreshing and playful approach to design, and I especially like how they work with children.”

What to visit?

Naturally, when in Stockholm, the annual Stockholm Design Week is an absolute must when it comes to events. Aia also recommends a visit to Sthlm Glas, Simon Klenell's hot glass studio situated in the former Gustavsberg porcelain factory outside Stockholm.

Worth a visit any time of year is Artipelag. “I enjoy the full experience of sustainable design in a broader perspective. Artipelag is a good example of a place where the Swedish archipelago, modern architecture, organic food and enjoyable exhibitions intertwine as a unified event of high quality.”

Another one of Aia’s favorites is the Galleri Sebastian Schildt “You find it on Strandvägen, next door to the classic store Svenskt Tenn. Here you can find jewelry, design, and art-work exhibited by exciting craftsmen and artists.”

As a hidden gem, Aia mentions the library of Svensk Form in Skeppsholmen. “It is a cosy library of design sited in an old school, with an interior by Jonas Bohlin.” Although not open to the public more than once a month, it’s possible to book a visit in advance for reading literature and design magazines. 

Where to eat?

“For an interesting dining experience, I would recommend Restaurang Oxenstiernan, which is very design-conscious. Also, sustainability infuses the whole experience, from the décor to the menu.”

And a final question: What is the most exciting thing that is happening in Swedish design right now?

“Well, there is plenty to get excited about when it comes to Swedish ceramics design! Joakim Ojanen, Frida Fjellman, Anton Alvarez and Karin Frankenstein are just a few of the many interesting artists right now."

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Thierry no 1 from NÄVER SAY NÄVER

The collections of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm got its first object of Aia Jüdes' in 2015. It was a bag from the same collection, "Näver say näver", as this unique object.

Photo: Aia Jüdes

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Thierry no 1 from NÄVER SAY NÄVER

Thierry no 1 from NÄVER SAY NÄVER

Photo: Aia Jüdes

A man in the process of making hand-blown glass outdoors.

Hand-made glass

Photo: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se

Ina  lush forest, a woman is tearing bark from a birch tree.

Aia Jüdes collecting birch bark for her art and design project

Photo: Aia Jüdes

Aerial view of the cultural centre Artipelag in the Stockholm archipelago, surrounded by forest and the archipelago.

Artipelag from above, Stockholm

Photo: Artipelag