Simon Beck creates massive geometric designs in the French Alps by trudging through the snow. His new book, <em>Snow Art</em>, features over 200 images of his drawings.
Footsteps in the snow —
Simon Beck creates massive geometric designs in the French Alps by trudging through the snow. His new book, Snow Art, features over 200 images of his drawings.
Courtesy S-Editions
Each line is made from of his individual paces. The drawings take up to 12 hours to complete, and involve walking the equivalent of 20 to 30 km.
Footsteps in the snow —
Each line is made from of his individual paces. The drawings take up to 12 hours to complete, and involve walking the equivalent of 20 to 30 km.
Courtesy S-Editions
Beck, who previously worked as an orienteering mapmaker, spends about 45 minutes developing each design. "You just need a few measurements and a good idea in your head about how you're going to do it," he says.
Footsteps in the snow —
Beck, who previously worked as an orienteering mapmaker, spends about 45 minutes developing each design. "You just need a few measurements and a good idea in your head about how you're going to do it," he says.
Courtesy S-Editions
"Usually I just think of a pattern I haven't made yet -- some kind of star or a new way of drawing a star -- or a simple set of rules that can generate the boundaries of any area."
Footsteps in the snow —
"Usually I just think of a pattern I haven't made yet -- some kind of star or a new way of drawing a star -- or a simple set of rules that can generate the boundaries of any area."
Courtesy S-Editions
He first started snow drawing in 2004, but only started taking it seriously five years ago when foot problems caused him to seek out a workout less rigorous than orienteering.
Footsteps in the snow —
He first started snow drawing in 2004, but only started taking it seriously five years ago when foot problems caused him to seek out a workout less rigorous than orienteering.
Courtesy S-Editions
He has created 175 snow drawings in the last 10 years. He intends to create at least 30 more this winter.
Footsteps in the snow —
He has created 175 snow drawings in the last 10 years. He intends to create at least 30 more this winter.
Courtesy S-Editions
Many of the drawings are made on frozen lakes. "Skiers don't ski onto lakes, they're absolutely flat, and there are no plants or rocks or trees sticking through," he explains.
Footsteps in the snow —
Many of the drawings are made on frozen lakes. "Skiers don't ski onto lakes, they're absolutely flat, and there are no plants or rocks or trees sticking through," he explains.
Courtesy S-Editions
A proper snow drawing requires at least one foot of snow, but Beck has done practice drawings in as little as three inches.
Footsteps in the snow —
A proper snow drawing requires at least one foot of snow, but Beck has done practice drawings in as little as three inches.
Courtesy S-Editions
In the future, Beck would like to create drawings on remote alpine lakes where they actually wouldn't be seen by the public.
Footsteps in the snow —
In the future, Beck would like to create drawings on remote alpine lakes where they actually wouldn't be seen by the public.
Courtesy S-Editions
Conversely, Beck would also love the opportunity to make one his drawings in front of famous tourist spots like the White House or Buckingham Palace.
Footsteps in the snow —
Conversely, Beck would also love the opportunity to make one his drawings in front of famous tourist spots like the White House or Buckingham Palace.
Courtesy S-Editions