Art Articles & Reviews

} World’s Largest Drawing Seen from Space By Paul Constable Was it the work of aliens? Years ago, it was quite common to hear about crop circles and unexplained geometric markings, that covered massive areas of our Earth. Did Aliens make these symbols? The scale and uniformity of the shapes made it near impossible to conceive that man could have produced these intricate patterns over the many square kilometers of varying geography. Newspapers published the sitings; scientists were asked to make conjectures and speculate on these strange happenings; and many a book was written with photographic proof to substantiate their findings. They were so popular even REECES PIECES, the famous chocolate peanut butter cups, did a series of commercials using this theme in a comical spoof. Were they initially intended as messages or navigational signs for others of their kind to see from space? Well all I know is that their drawing skills have increased substantially since those heady days of circular planet scaring graffiti. In the late spring of 1996, alien markings seen from space, first appeared baring a stunning resemblance to a humble plow horse. Click any thumbnail to go to the first image gallery The Truth be told The actual layout was facilitated by the surveying department at Georgian College in Barrie. They surveyed the four-corners of the 50acre field, entered Joe Fafard's drawing in the computer and plotted hundreds of numbered coordinates around the horse’s perimeter. They then returned with laser transits each with a chip that held the coordinates. By using walkie-talkies they were then able to plant precisely located, numbered stakes in the field. Planting the horse was a gigantic connect-the-dots puzzle. The ability to accomplish such a feat is now within the artist’s grasp. The urge to find new, larger surfaces to place our marks on has reached new heights. With the aid of UGG (a grain company), the Maclaren staff, the local farm community and volunteers, a GPS system and a satellite, the Maclaren Art Centre embarked on a unique marketing idea. Combining space age technology and a drawing by Joe Fafard, they set about to undertake a very ambitious project. His part was to draw a horse on paper, which would then be plotted and transposed using a GPS system. The GPS work was done after the fact as another way to present the image. The art of planning around natures palette, whether it be Monet’s garden at Giverny or the nurturing of a bonsai tree has always been an intriguing art form. It’s a slow methodical process where plants are chosen for their colour, texture and maturity rate - throughout the growing season. The complexity of this process is moved to the next level, as the image being created can only be seen in its entirety from the air, after the crop is up. Click any thumbnail to go to the second image gallery Looking Back As you can see by these images provided by the Maclaren Art Centre, this project was a great success. It took a lot of hard work by designers, staff and the farming community. It seems a project of this scale and scope had the ability to bridge the gap between artists, galleries and the general public. They’re truly was something for everyone in this event. The Maclaren garnered a bit of notoriety in the art world with a unique event, which positioned them in the heart of the rural community in Canada. This project merged the tools and materials of the local farmers with new science technology and presented a visual way to appreciate both. This three-way symbiotic relationship is rare where all parties involved actually get something of benefit from the end result. Congratulations on a job well done! For further programs you may see the Maclaren Art Centre at this web site address. www.maclarenart.com Link to the Maclaren against the Grain, Joe Fafard’s Field Project. www.catchacoma.ca/fafard/ Click any thumbnail to go to the third image gallery Below I have included a link to an Essay by William Moore, Director of the Maclaren Art Centre and 15 questions I posed to Roy Hickling (project curator), a local farmer who was involved in the planning from the early stages. These two pieces will provide more in depth detail as to this project. I have also included a number of other photos to accompany these articles, to better help you grasp the scale of a project of this magnitude. Enjoy! Links to Related Articles Anatomy of a Horse - William Moore Anatomy of a Horse - Interview _________________________________________________ Paul Constable is the Director of Artists In Canada. He is a Painter / Printmaker and Senior Graphic Designer for an Advertising and Communications company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Paul Constable can be reached by email HERE. His paintings may be viewed at: www.ArtistsInCanada.com/pconstable. Your suggestions for future articles are welcome. _________________________________________________ © 2003 ArtistsInCanada.com