Jo is a geologist using rocks to study past ice sheets. Her significant contribution to the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration sits at the cutting edge of geochemistry and to the forefront of scientific research into climate change. Learning about her incredible work has opened up an array of intriguing areas of interest for me as an artist. From the preparation and focus involved in such work, to travel and the immensely difficult conditions endured whilst out in the field; from the physical chemistry she employs (the chemicals and the processes) to the geological samples she seeks, collects and analyses, there is much for me to investigate with a creative mind!
Jo managed to tweet glimpses of her fieldwork from the Antarctic wilderness.
Real stamina is required for this kind of work!
In November 2019, Jo travelled south to Antarctica to undertake a meticulously planned fieldwork programme to collect rock samples and observations which will be used for improving our understanding of past ice sheet changes. Her data will be used for validating models that simulate ice sheet behaviour under different environmental conditions. These models predict how the mighty Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica will contribute to the rate and timing of sea level rise across the globe in the coming decades.
With a passion for the Cryosphere and my home being located on the sea-washed Gower Peninsula, such research is of enormous interest - and relevance - to me. On the face of it, there appears to be little else to connect Gower with the Antarctic continent. Scratch the surface, however, and tangled threads of commonality reveal themselves.
My research workbooks keep me organised! Here I’m thinking about time, looking at sea-worn rock whilst Jo gathers ice-worn rock samples.
Consequently, in my development of metaphorical artwork, I take inspiration both from Jo’s work and my home environment on the edge of industrial South Wales. I use innovative methods to create affectual contemporary art, employing appropriate natural materials found on Gower alongside those of synthetic origin. These methods reflect the dynamic processes of earth’s creation together with those of anthropogenic industry and allow me to examine tensions. Strain, both physical and abstract, is ever present whether between materials or within science and politics in the general context of global warming.
Jo’s analyses involves Quartz, which has inspired me to explore crystal growth.
Watch this short film and hear me talk about my work:
Filmed and created by Vinny Stelzer.
Beginnings
Whilst Jo was away, we undertook to work in parallel, me out in the wilds of Gower gathering, drawing or writing, and she doing a little of the same in Antarctica, when time allowed. The results of this initial project should permit a glimpse into the depths of Jo’s work and will be a reflection of nature: fluid, chaotic and unpredictable. But bringing together our respective offerings is on hold for the time being, due to the Coronavirus outbreak leaving us unable to meet.
So for now, I’m happily continuing with my research and explorations - and hugely enjoying some creative play in the studio.
The many areas of relevance I’m delving into include: time, surface, micro and macro, tension and stress, balance and consequence, absence and presence and polarisation. I am also exploring interactions of a chemical, material and sociopolitical nature using elements of relevance to Jo’s work, such as rock, crystals, ice and sea alongside those more associated with industry such as cementitious substances, sand, molten metal, polymers and paint.
Follow my work in progress and see more in the blog.
Go to BAS collaboration or work in progress