Although it was strange not to be hiking over to the Gullkistan barn studios each day, there was so much more of Iceland to see. Our Friends Aegir and Linda knew just where to go and when. The Saga Museum in Reykjavik tells the violent history of the vikings arrival and subsequent conquerors, plagues, slavery and survival by this tough people. The models are so lifelike it’s almost scary – famous actors and artists where used for the molds. Here is a woman being burned as a witch.
Iceland is a new land and steam comes up in various places. So the entire country is heated geo-thermally and no one pays for hot water! Note the gorgeous color of the water which is said to have healing powers even for psoriasis.
At the famous Blue Lagoon we tested out the healing mud masks available in big tubs for free (after you pay your entry fee). Everyone in the huge pool looked like ghosts but we all had smoother skin afterward.
Below are a few highlights – and again the photo ops were endless – Iceland is an amazingly visual country. This is probably why an early Norwegian king who wanted it for himself called it Iceland to deter people from coming. He called the neighboring island which is almost all covered in ice Greenland in hopes of allluring them there.
Oplysninger where the waterfalls come out between the lava layers
One of the many beautiful country churches – this one viewed from our window at the Hotel Budir
Deildartunghver thermal springs – don’t try to pronounce it, just enjoy the gorgeous colors
Rocks on the coast of Snaefellsnes peninsula
The wild thyme grows on moonscape looking lava.
Snaefellsnesjokull (glacier)
graffiti-ied hay bales – a school project?
Every town and village in Iceland has a swimming pool and all the citizens know all of them! But you better wash up!
Aegir’s healthy Icelandic lunch!
It was a great week, but….
Liz and Brooke after 5 weeks together
Liz and Phil after one week together.
Just funnin’ – it really was a great week. Next stop Berlin…
Last summer I spent a month at the Gullkistan artist residency in Iceland. I am currently showing work from that experience in my exhibit, Evolutionary Processes, at the Sebastopol Center For the Arts from April 4th through May 10th.
Elizabeth Sher Media Artist 