My light sculptures, the ‘Jimmys’, were inspired by the children at Frosta school in H?rby, a small town in the south of Sweden, surrounded by woods and exciting nature spots. When the school commissioned me to turn the schoolyard into a nicer place, their then outdoor environment consisted of a vast asphalt-covered area.

My suggestion was to build up nine steep hills which would rise out of this asphalt field like the wooded dry-stone walls in the surrounding fields. The hills were put together from the asphalt that had been ripped up, plus rocks and soil that was brought in. We planted young trees together with perennial plants. Narrow steps were constructed leading across each hill, and low seats made from logs were placed on top of each one. Every hill represented a separate grade. But was this enough? Wasn’t something missing, something that children can feel for and long for? Something that greets you during dark mornings in winter and autumn, something to say bye-bye to in the afternoon when you go home? An imaginary friend, a friend to identify with and cuddle. I wanted to create soft, rounded forms with a warm glow.