Volcanic Permaculture of Lanzarote

Acrylica gouache on paper

9 1/2″ x 6 1/2″

The volcanic island of Lanzarote (the easternmost Canary Island) receives little rain. In the 19th century, a six-year period of volcanic activity left the inhabitants with limited means to grow crops. Noticing that ocean fog condensed on the porous lava rock, the farmers sculpted the rocky earth into a fields of funnels directing the moisture toward the vegetation planted at the center of each basin. The enveloping form protects the sunken plants from harsh winds and retains heat throughout the night, which aids in fruit production.