Gai Pritchett, Clarence Valley Independent
Internationally recognised geologist Dr John Jackson’s exhibition “The Art of Scottish Geology” opens at the Old Kirk, Yamba Museum on Tuesday December 13. The official launch will take place 5:30pm, Friday December 16 when Dr Jackson will explain his artworks.
The artworks depict what the earth’s activity and landscape looked like from 350 million years ago moving into the present day, including Australia. Those who attended Dr Jackson’s excursions to Brooms Head understand his vast knowledge and passion to educate, as many as he can, to better understand what is happening under the ground on which we stand.
It is recommended you read the artist’s precis for each artwork to fully appreciate the intricate segments and layers of substance and colour, e.g.; “a chain of north-south striking freshwater, rift lakes had been created by thinning the crust as Africa and South America were torn apart.” The formation of opal from ‘siliceous ooze’ is explained in colourful detail.
The following extract by D.R. Oldroyd & B.M. Hamilton in 2002 explains the Scottish geology:
“Scotland was indeed one of the countries that contributed most to the foundation of geological science, and provided some of the most notable founders, both in the field and as theoreticians. It is a small country, but one that is geologically both interesting and perplexing. If Scotland provided an environment highly propitious for the work of the ‘founder of geology’, James Hutton, the Moines have provided a region that still defies full elucidation. In Scotland, if perhaps we see a definite vestige of a beginning of geological research, there seems to be no prospect of an end in view”.
Dr Jackson will be ‘in residence’ most days during his exhibition, December 13 to January 15, to educate interested viewers. A workshop will be conducted 11am Wednesday January 11 at a fee of $10. Those wishing to attend please contact Gai Pritchett, Email: gpritchett10@gmail.com.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 7 December 2022.
