After a hiatus, we are resuming the Nordvis artist appreciation series. In the eighth edition, we hear from Göran Månsson of Bards of Skaði – who just released their debut album, “Glysisvallur”.
Göran commented:
I live in Haverö, located in Medelpad. We have a farm with three houses where we also run a B&B and various workshops. Living close to nature means a lot for both soul and body. Historically, my instruments have been played by people who lived in nature, and the wood in the instruments comes from the forests around me.
To me, nature is not just recreation and inspiration for my creativity. We live about thirty km from the nearest grocery store, which means we also live off nature. Every autumn, we fill the freezer with mushrooms. It's a wonderful feeling to eat what you’ve picked and cleaned yourself.
Living as close to nature as I do entails having to negotiate with it. We follow the shifting seasons where preparation for winter is an important part. Every year we chop wood, cut and split it, and then carry it into the woodshed.
Berry picking is something I really enjoy. Since childhood, my family has picked lingonberries, blueberries, cloudberries, and raspberries.
My farm is located by the Ljungan river, which provides us with fish. It's fantastic to be able to acquire food in peace and quiet. I believe that humans are moving further and further away from nature. They only see it as something that should provide recreation and experiences. Living with nature is something profoundly different.
We also grow our own food. Various vegetables and, of course, potatoes! My forebears were all self-sufficient. Simple peasants. I bear them in mind every time I work on the farm; how they toiled for food with the most rudimentary tools. I feel respect and gratitude towards them.
I am one of those who love winter. Snow makes the surroundings bright and radiant. Plants and trees go into hibernation. All becomes tranquil. I take the kicksled and ride for a while on the village road. The only thing I hear is the sledge runners against the snow and my breathing.
Bards of Skadi artist profile at Nordvis:
https://nordvis.com/bardsofskadi
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