Youth and Ice: Parallel Transformations

"Iceland" emerges as a collection of portraits capturing my son against the awe-inspiring backdrop of this island's landscapes. Each frame resonates with distinctiveness, a vivid reflection of his character now. A subtle connection binds the path of an 11-year-old navigating the corridors of his 'difficult age' with Iceland's ever-transforming volcanic canvas – a symphony of eruptions, dancing auroras, and retreating glaciers. For me these images embody the struggle of nature in the face of irrevocable transformation. This place is where the effects of climate change are most visible, similar to the way adolescence is a time of separation and struggle. I cannot possibly capture all that I've learned about Iceland's vulnerability to shifting weather patterns and disruptions in its ecosystems. This incredible and distinctive island exhibits some of the most visible consequences of climate change, owing to its geographical location and susceptibility to temperature fluctuations. However, as an ordinary human being and a mother, I find myself expressing my deepest concerns and even frustrations by drawing parallels between my son and this corner of our planet. Reflecting on the emotions I've encountered while creating these portraits, I've arrived at a realization: the way I worry over my son's growth and development mirrors my concerns for what is already transpiring on our Earth. In the face of this global crisis, I question what I can contribute. I find myself undergoing identical emotions in both scenarios. Part of me believes that some things are beyond my control. Yet, there is another substantial part of me firmly convinced of one thing: I must endeavor to do everything within my means and not simply surrender.