See Beth Jump

In 2009, an Icelandic troupe performed an adaptation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis, as part of Tasmania’s Ten Days on the Island festival.

So began my love affair with Iceland and my fascination with island culture – what brings us together and what makes us different.

Iceland and Tasmania are similar in size (100 sq km vs 68 sq km) and population (330,000 vs 515,000).

Now that I’ve been to Iceland, I’ve started writing my thoughts:

Two islands, a world apart but hewn from the same elemental bedrock. People and place informed by natural isolation from their nearest neighbour.

Rugged, frequently hostile landscapes which deal ruthlessly with those who underestimate their natural hazards.

Places where the land itself features as character in any narrative.

It’s a work in progress, but also part of a cunning plan to get an artist’s residency in Iceland.