Austurland - A Collection of Landscapes and Stories from East Iceland.

A short Review

Hester Aspland is an illustrator specialising in ink,  ceramics, and film photography, her main focus is the landscapes and folklore of the places she visits. I first came across Hester’s work on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her rendition of the Ring of Brodgar, (Orkney,) and have been following her work ever since.

At the end of 2023, Hester did an artist residency in the East Fjords of Iceland, and during her time there, she was inspired by Icelandic folktales as well as the incredible landscape. From this residency, Hester has produced a personal impression of the area and its stories, in a small artist book entitled “Austurland.” The book is beautifully printed to A5 size.

From the moment I unpacked the book, I was enchanted by Hester’s combination of wonderful ink drawings and her ethereal landscape photography. The folk tales deepen the overall sense of place - a place so elemental, wild and remote, that surely it can only really exist in the old Norse eddas of fire and ice.

Each page is populated by the most wonderful fantastical beings; from Trolls and Elves, to magical cows and völvas protecting local fjords against raiders

The stories are lovingly transcribed alongside the illustrations, bringing the landscape dramatically to life in the eye of the reader.

I have not been to Iceland but feel from reading Hester’s book, that I have gained a real sense of place, and how it has been shaped by its legends.

For more information about Hester Aspland’s work please visit her website: hesterasplandillustration.co.uk

All images are ©Hester Aspland, used with permission.