Guest contributor post by Julie Pasila
One of the most striking things about Iceland (besides the
scenery) is the way in which myth and folklore are built into the culture of
the country and the psyche of its people. One of my favourite examples of this is the idea of huldufólk,
or hidden people.
From what I’ve been able to piece together so far, huldufólk
are elf-like creatures who inhabit a parallel world. They live within the landscape, beneath the rocks and hills, remaining
invisible to most.
There is a small percentage of the Icelandic population who believe
that the huldufólk truly exist (somewhere around the eight percent
mark), but up to half the population, when surveyed, would not deny their
existence. Interestingly, this possibility of their presence
seems to guide
the nation, at least occasionally.
For example, new building projects will often take into consideration
potential huldufólk habitats using the guidance of a medium or mystic.
If a particular place is determined to
be the habitat of the hidden people, roads may be diverted or new
construction
relocated.
Icelandic
belief in the huldufólk may be over exaggerated by
visitors (like myself) who find the notion mysterious and whimsical.
What’s not exaggerated, however, is the
Icelandic connection to nature, which seems to manifest itself in the
beautiful idea that something (or someone) important inhabits the rocks
and hills and mountains, and that this
presence should not be disturbed without some thought and consultation.
The story of the huldufólk provides a wonderful example of
the inclusion of myth in a thoroughly modern nation and it also provides a fine
introduction to a beautiful line of products that draw upon some of the myths
and stories of Iceland.
Vík Prjónsdóttir is a brand that produces incredible
products from Icelandic sheep’s wool (a highly sustainable material here). The line is a collaboration between designers
Brynhildur Pálsdóttir, Gudfinna Mjöll Magnúsdóttir, Thuríður Sigurþórsdóttir
and Iceland’s oldest knitting factory, Víkurprjón. Below are a few examples of the magnificent pieces and a
brief description of their origin stories. More extensive descriptions, and
more products, can be found on Vík’s website (all product images are courtesy of Vík Prjónsdóttir).
Hidden World (shown with the Healing Hands scarf) is a visual representation of the hidden world,
just discussed above, and a dedication to the magical people who can
communicate with these mysterious spaces and their inhabitants.
The Sealpelt Blanket is inspired by an ancient Icelandic
myth from the south shore of the country, which describes a seal who sheds her
skin on land, lives as a human (becoming both a wife and mother), and later
returns to the sea. It’s a lovely (slightly heartbreaking) story.
The Seablanket is one of my personal favourites. It’s dedicated to “the currents of the
ocean,” and to the fisherman of Iceland who risk their lives to “bring
home the catch.”
You can buy Vík’s work directly from SPARK Design Space if
you happen to be in Reykjavik or – wait for it – you can order directly from Vík's website. They ship
internationally and, better yet, they offer FREE shipping to Europe, the Unites
States and Canada!
I visited the village of Vík (the location of Iceland’s
oldest knitting factory, where these beautiful products are produced) and I
wanted to leave you all with some images of the incredible landscape around
this tiny town.
***
Julie Pasila is
a Canadian multidisciplinary artist & writer. She holds a
Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media from Ryerson University, and a
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art & English Literature from the
University of Guelph. She is currently available for freelance
assignments and exhibitions in Canada and abroad.
6 comments:
I LOVED this post and WOW -- those blankets.
So warm, fun and sweet design. Thanks for sharing!
That is so interesting about the Icelandic culture and the "hidden people". I love folklore, legends and magic, so it's great to see how it's inspiring designers. These wooly, cuddly pieces are amazing. I love the blanket that is like a jump suit of sorts. And the hand scarf it amazing too.
Love poppytalkkk!!!
thankssss!!
http://nebularina.blogspot.it/2012/06/reykjavik-la-vik-prjonsdottir-e-lidea.html
Love poppytalkkk!!!
thankssss!!
http://nebularina.blogspot.it/2012/06/reykjavik-la-vik-prjonsdottir-e-lidea.html
what a wonderful story about icelandic myths! and excellent design too. this is fascinating also for a project I am currently working on. would love to hear more about these stories :)
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