Faultlines (2015-2023)
In January 2014, then British Prime Minister David Cameron declared that his government was ‘Going all out for Shale…’ using the unconventional gas extraction method of Fracking. Short for ‘Hydraulic Fracturing’, Fracking uses fluid to fracture rock in order to extract oil or gas from shale sediments. The fluid is a mixture of water, chemicals and sand with millions of gallons of frack fluid injected and pumped to extreme pressure, until the rock fractures open. Sand particles prop open the cracks so gas can flow into the well.
Fracking is associated with air pollution, groundwater contamination, serious health issues, industrialisation of the countryside, earth tremors and loss of biodiversity. This work represents the contested landscapes under threat from fracking and was inspired by people met along the many journeys made throughout the UK onshore oil and gas licence blocks.
Not Here, Not Anywhere, an extended essay by ecologist Helen Baczkowsa, describes the geology of shale rock and the impact on people living in the those areas subject to fracking proposals.
The publication Faultlines, including a special edition complete with 11x14 silver gelatin print, is available from GOST Books here.