Photographic Images

Volcanic Islands

This work is one of  three linked projects, each one an investigation of a volcanic island; Fuerteventura, Iceland and New Zealand - Aotearoa (North and South Islands combined).

The volcanoes of Fuerteventura are old and considered extinct with the last eruption being 4 - 5000 years ago, whereas those of Iceland are very much active. There was a recent Icelandic eruption of Fagradalsfjall in August 2022, and a huge eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in April 2010 which was so far reaching that many flights within Europe were cancelled following it. At this time May 2025, the most recent eruption was in the Sundhnúkur volcanic system close to the fishing town of Grindavik and the famous Blue Lagoon spa. New Zealand seems to be in-between with dormant/active volcanoes, the most recent eruption was, not on the mainland but  on White Island/Whakaari 48 km off the coast, in December 2019

Whilst all three islands’ geological origins are volcanic there are evident current differences; the development of the landscape; the subsequent human adaptation to the landscape; the climatic conditions; the lighting; amongst others. I am particularly interested in the distinctiveness of each and attempt to reflect my differing experience, and observations of each, in the images presented of all three countries.

I would emphasis that I look at these islands through the eyes of an artist/photographer and not those of a geologist, my knowledge of geology and volcanic activity being merely that of an interested observer!