Faultlines (2015-2020)

In January 2014, then British Prime Minister David Cameron, declared that Britain would go “…all out for shale…” using the unconventional gas extraction method known as ‘fracking’. Short for ‘Hydraulic Fracturing’, fracking uses fluids to fracture layers of rock to extract methane gas from shale sediments. The fluid is a mixture of water, noxious chemicals and sand; millions of gallons of frack fluid are injected and pumped to extreme pressure until the rock fractures open. The sand particles prop open the cracks so gas can flow into the well.

Fracking is widespread throughout the USA, parts of Europe and elsewhere. It 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 and was inspired by people met along the many journeys made throughout the UK onshore oil and gas licence blocks.

The images for this series of work were made over a six year period whilst cycling and walking over 2000 miles around Britain travelling through almost all of the 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 and can be viewed by clicking the above link..

The publication Faultlines, including a special edition complete with 11x14 silver gelatin print, is available from GOST Books here.