Wirral Arts: West Kirby artist, Sylvia Hikins’ flight above the Icelandic volcano

Jul 28 2010 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

WHEN the Icelandic volcano erupted earlier this year it grounded planes across the globe, but Sylvia Hikins chose to fly above it in pursuit of art.

The West Kirby artist fell in love with the island this year, and as the now infamous Eyjafjallajökull spewed out ash, she flew over it in a tiny three seater plane.

Sylvia told Wirral Arts: “The plane was bouncing around and I could feel my camera heating up as we went over it.

“I had a sore throat for a few days after due to the ash, but it was worth it. It was amazing and such a memorable experience, you just got the feeling of nature.”

And now Sylvia has turned those images into a series of seven paintings which are on show at the National Trust property, Erddig, near Wrexham, until tomorrow.

Featuring as part of the Imagine event, Sylvia said: “I hope lots of people come to the exhibition, National Trust members can go in free.

“They have lovely gardens there and people who come along are in for a nice day out.”