An artists response to Shetland windfarm proposals

I have been moved to produce a series of images in response to proposals for a very large wind farm in Shetland. These images are not meant to be literal rendition of the Viking Energy project but depicts the effects of living in the shadow of 150 giant wind turbines and their affect on the human psyche. What should ostensibly be a traditional Shetland crofting scene has become a nightmare scenario where animals and birds are being displaced and humans are gradually being driven mad.

Windfarm vision 1. Woodcut. 2008. 63 x 91.5 cm

Windfarm vision 2. Woodcut. 2008. 63 x 91.5 cm

Windy Night. Woodcut. 2008

Migration. Acrylic on canvas. 2008. 120 x 150 cm

Money Counters. Woodcut. 2008

Shadow Flicker. Woodcut. 2008

Letter I sent to local media in Shetland in April 2008.

Last night as I lay down my head I dreamt a dream. In need of solace I headed for the hills and soon lost my bearings. The ancient cairn I used as a land marker was gone and in its place was a giant windmill. In need of rest I looked for a place to sit and tried to settle at the base of this great graffiti stricken rusting beast. Amongst the broken glass and beer can filth I looked around and found my self in an industrial landscape with wind turbines stretching as far as the eye can see. Suddenly I heard a truck driving up the giant road that cut into the hills , then men and boys unloaded motorbikes and screeched around the track they had made into the heather. Read full letter.

Gallery section

An artists response to Shetland windfarm proposals

Letter I sent to local media in Shetland in April 2008.