About us

The courses at The Nordic centre will be led by Helen Blästa and David Cook. Both are experienced in presenting ideas and helping others to enjoy new learning and skills. They believe that by connecting to our natural surroundings with a deeper understanding we can all become more creative. And that personal connection and creativity will lead to a more fulfilled and peaceful way of living.

The pressures and strains of modern living, and the environmental problems we face, need to be balanced with enjoyment of nature and its value for us all, and with enjoying our own special place in the world. We can find that special place for each of us through art, creativity and connecting to nature.

Helen Blästa

A potter by training Helen has been running workshops and classes in this region for over ten years.

In Näsåker she has used the inspiration from the rock-carvings and nature in much of her own work, both in pottery and working with glass.

Her courses are very popular and include groups from business and other organizations who find the experience invaluable as a team building exercise.

Helen is particularly valued in giving confidence to those who may never have attempted art for themselves previously.

Helen runs courses each week for young people, on behalf of the local culture organization Kulturskolan. These classes are always oversubscribed and the youngsters come back year after year to be with Helen.

Her work is commissioned for prestigious awards and prizes from all kinds of organizations from football teams to trade bodies and Olympic skiing teams.

She is experienced in giving close personal support to individuals and groups, helping them use new artistic skills.

Helen is a qualified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner.

Always exploring new ways in which people can get more from life and art, Helen has taken on leadership of a new organization for this region dedicated to improving opportunities and activities for young people – Aktiv Ungdom Sollefteå. That work includes developing courses for young immigrants to the area – the Aurora Programme.

Our shared vision is to offer courses, workshops and seminars for guests and visitors from all over the world. The content is  various creative activities such as; pottery, painting, glass-art in combination with a clear sustainability development for individuals. The environmental aspect is in all that we do.

David Cook

David’s connection to environmental issues and sustainable development began with the development of The Natural Step in the UK in 1997. From 2006 to 2009 he was Chief Executive of The Natural Step International based in Sweden, an NGO dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development

David has worked on sustainability with many organisations, communities and government agencies around the world. He has been responsible for sustainable development work with various international corporations including Du Pont, Skanska, Nike, Rohm & Haas, Wallenius, Interface, Dow and many others. He has played a leading part developing new approaches to the social dimension of sustainability.

David regularly speaks at major conferences on sustainable development around the world, highlighting both the scale of the sustainability challenge, and the opportunities.

David is author of “The Natural Step – Towards a Sustainable Society” published by Green Books in the UK. and Chelsea Green in the USA. David is a member of The Dow Chemical Company Sustainability External Advisory Council, and the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council.

Skilled in helping individuals and groups to gain a better understanding of environmental issues and challenges, David believes that through that deeper understanding we can all lead more fulfilling lives.