Flowers of Basalt

Sulphur occurs in natural deposits on the edges of volcanoes. Descriptively known as Brimstone. A useful term for the volcanic convulsions of this Hebridean Basalt and the hellish atmosphere of the cliffs. When the sulphurous vapours condense on the colder rock surfaces around a crater it resembles lichen. Under a microscope the sulphur crystals are said to look like flowers and are known as ‘Flowers of Sulphur’.

On the rocks and cliffs of the Shiant Isles this lichen radiates out from tightly packed warts to lacy extremities, festooning the cliffs. Using all the different cliff faces, rocks, tidal areas and sea water colours I have made these ‘Flower of Basalt’. A series of giclee prints from my photographic source material focused on the colours and structures of the landscape.

Some of these Flowers make up a ‘Kaleidoscope’ which can be hung together or in small groups.

Other Flowers of Basalt, not part of the Kaleidoscope make up prints paired to specific paintings from scrutinising the cliffs, as another way to remember the sensational impact of the landscape.

Dimensions for the Flower of Basalt Prints.

5    (100 x 100 cm) +2 Artists Copies
10  (72 x 72 cm) + 3 Artists Copies
15 (33 x 36 cm) + 3 Artists Copies