Days 4-5: Storm bound

DAY 4

With a big low pressure system right over the Southern Alps we have been confined to the comfortable chalet except for the occasional foray out into the whiteout to take photographs to show the changing conditions. 

In my research for the Watershed Project I have learned about the urgent current research now taking place that attempts to achieve a scaleable system for creating a truly sustainable energy system by splitting the water molecule using energy from the sun. Producing hydrogen from H2O using a photocatalyst would produce no carbon emissions. Known as artificial photosynthesis this renewable energy could become a watershed in preventing catastrophic climate change. Today I have begun exploring ways to make works specifically about this using water and snow. 

DAY 5

Philippa and I trudged off this morning across the fresh snow to make footprints for a work that references the footprints we see from wild four legged animals around the chalet – perhaps chamois or thar. Snow is banked up at the windows and we are surrounded on all sides by views of falling snow, while we enjoy the comfort of great food provided by Whare Kea Lodge - bravo chef James.  

Working in a whiteout

H2O

Working in the chalet