‘When I first began this series, I had been inspired by the fast-changing light and seasons that govern the unique Åland Archipelago, from the coastal rock formations to the depths of the forest and sought to capture the inimitability of this little paradise on earth. 

We each paint our own idea of Paradise. ‘Paradise’ to me, has always meant living in harmony with nature, appreciating all her diversity and challenges, respecting her power and her fragility. Nature is healing, and every day we are enriched by her beauty. She is our life source, our paradise.

The spirit of Åland’s environment is deeply embedded in the soul of its people. I have continually and affectionately observed the strong-held guardianship and respect for living within natures capricious cycles. This shared relationship between Åland and its people, has not shielded this land from the effects of global climate change; as experienced in 2018 with a hotter, drier summer, a warmer winter and in 2019 the strongest ever recorded storm/hurricane in Finland, Alfrida. Sweeping across Åland felling trees in its path, the resilience of the Åland people echoed in the landscape, with vast efforts to clean up and utilise the fallen timbers and replant trees for the next generation.

The fragility of paradise has become palpable. These works speak to the delicate nature of it’s existence.

In the months that have passed since completing this body of work, we have all seen and felt the momentous, distressing, and irreversible events, most significantly, the brutal and senseless war on our doorstep that threatens our entire global existence; emphasising how fragile and precarious Paradise really is.

With new a clarity, ‘Paradise’ has evolved in its meaning to me - now, I know Paradise is living in harmony, not just with nature, but also with each other.’

Danelle Bergstrom, 2022