Masson Range
[2008-11-07]

animation: Lisa Roberts
Sydney 2008

artwork: Fred Elliott
Antarctica - Melbourne 1955-2008

climber: Josef Goding
Melbourne 2008

sound: streetscape
London 2008

It was the feeling of tremendous forces and heat
moulding this dramatic part of the range, that attracted me to it.

Fred Elliott, Melbourne 2007

drawing & annotations: Fred Elliott
Masson Range, Antarctica, 1997-2008

photo: Fred Elliott
Masson Range, Antarctica, 1955

In response to the question,
"what did you change in the landscape you drew?",
Fred Elliott sent an annotated copy
of his photolithograph, Masson Range, 1997,
and of the photo he took there in 1955.

Note that downward sweep of the rock
has been emphasised
to enhance the twisting
in the central patch of snow.

It was the feeling of tremendous forces and heat
moulding this dramatic part of the range
that attracted me to it.

The shape of the snowdrift
has been altered
to lead the eye.
into the picture.

This [rock form] has been changed
into a broad arrow-head
plunging into the heart
(albeit a white one!)
of the composition.

There are plenty of ways
down from here [top of ridge]
but some were a bit 'iffy'
so I made one that I coud manage!

These shapes [overhangs] are emphasised
for pictorial values.

I invented a lead
up from the foreground ice
to the centre of the crux of the twisting.

That hand contraction I mentioned
is DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE.

There was a meltwater stream running between
the rock and the ice

Fred Elliott, Melbourne 2007

I recorded the bells
in a London street
in February 2008.
It was the day after
my father died, and
the sound was Antarctic:
ice melting,
crystal
by crystal,
within vast
cold white.