Beginning with a white page can be overwhelming for any artist, which is whyEd Fairburnadopted an unusual canvas.
He repurposes old maps, transforming them into beautiful, highly-detailed portraits.
By merging landscape and humanity, Fairburn reminds us that we are a product of our environmentand vice versa.
Fairburn often spends hours studying the maps terrain before beginning his artistic process.
The talented artist calls his process topopointillism and describes it as a direct mix of topography and pointillism.
We briefly caught up with Fairburn to find out more about his process.
Read on for My Modern Mets exclusive interview.
What do you love most about drawing on maps?
I love the ephemeral nature of maps, the range of paper types, weights, textureseven the smell.
No two surfaces are ever the same.
I love the way in which maps age and show their use over time.
In that respect, old maps are a very forgiving medium, unlike a crisp white canvas.
It’s somehow welcoming, like a pair of shoes that have been worn in.
Where do you find your maps?
To me, a drawer full of maps is a store cupboard of paper and other supports.
Aesthetically, I know what I like, and I know what works.
If I see a map, I automatically run through any possibilities in my head.
I think experience plays a big part, too.
I’m at a point now where I can dismiss or investigate a map based on the cover alone.
Can you describe your process?
Do you usually see where the face will fit right away?
In short, yesI see potential, but there’s never any one way or correct placement per landscape.
Like any traditional painter, I strive for a strong composition.
I’ll always start by studying the map against the figure, mentally sketching any possible outcomes.
Ultimately, my process is about harmonizing two structures in one physical space.
How long does the average piece take to make?
