Art, a Compass, and a Snowfield – Simon Beck – Ep 169

Art can manifest in countless ways, from traditional canvas paintings to more unconventional forms like intricate snow patterns. British artist Simon Beck uses only his feet and a compass to create breathtaking patterns on snow-covered landscapes, primarily near his home at the Les Arts Ski Resort near Mont Blanc in France.

Simon shares his unusual journey from competitive orienteering and map-making to becoming a pioneer of snow art. Join us as Simon shares insights into his creative process, the physical demands of his work, and the awe-inspiring interplay between nature and art.

Listen if you are interested in…

• Creating snow drawings mirrors reverse map-making (0:00)
• The transition from competitive orienteering to snow drawing as a main source of income (04:04)
• Prioritizing making art near home first to photograph the drawing before others ski (07:16)
• Shadows on snow look darker or lighter depending on the sun’s position and time of day (11:35)
• Drawing requires focus in the first 1.5 hours, the Simon listens to music (12:57)
• Fractals balance lightness, strength, and space (18:14)
• Measurement is key, but the design relies on judgment (19:56)
• Why not too many people watch Simon work (30:57)

The Intricacies of Creation

Simon’s art is monumental in scale, stretching to diameters of 200 feet or more, and is based on mathematics and geometry. The process begins with an hour and a half of meticulous planning, involving setting out main lines using compass bearings and precise pacing to represent his design accurately. It’s a labor-intensive process akin to hiking 20 miles across challenging terrain, exhausting but rewarding.

Once the foundational lines are established, Simon goes into what he describes as “personal stereo time.” Listening to classical music, he meticulously fills in the design, transforming abstract geometric concepts into fabulous artworks.

The Environmental Canvas

Creating art within nature, especially in the context of Simon Beck’s snow art, is an intricate dance with the unpredictable elements that the environment throws at him. Snow conditions are paramount in determining the feasibility and quality of his artworks. For example, the type and depth of snow are crucial factors because they directly influence his physical endurance.

Deep snow, which requires more effort to compact and shape, can quickly exhaust him, limiting his work session to just a few hours. This means he has to be vigilant and adapt his approach based on what nature presents on that particular day.

Simon is meticulous in choosing locations for his massive snow drawings; he aims for areas that reduce the risk of human interference yet provide decent visibility for onlookers and his own photography. He often mentions how factors like accessibility and vantage points guide his strategic location selection for photographing the completed designs. The latter is essential because capturing the intricacies of his temporary masterpieces before the weather or other factors erase them is a critical part of his process.

The dynamic nature of outdoor environments adds a layer of unpredictability to Simon’s work. Weather forecasts are indispensable in his preparation, guiding him on the best time to start a piece in anticipation of good conditions for photography the following day. This foresight is crucial because the best photographs are often taken in the morning or late afternoon when shadows cast by the sun can add depth and contrast to the patterns.

Despite thorough planning, Simon must also be prepared to improvise. Each artwork is an exercise in precision and adaptability. His ultimate goal is to create visually striking designs and immortalize them through photos before the natural world inevitably reclaims them. This combination of planning, skill, and responsiveness to nature’s whims highlights the transient beauty of Simon’s snow art and his dedication to capturing its ephemeral existence.

A Unique Artistic Vision

Despite the temporary nature of his snow drawings, Simon doesn’t view his work through a spiritual or meditative lens. He approaches each piece as a project, focusing on the execution of the art.

But the ephemeral quality of his art resonates deeply with audiences, who compare them to other transient art forms like sand art and crop circles. Intricate fractals and repeating patterns echo the structures found in the natural world, demonstrating the intersection of art, mathematics, and nature.

Resources & People Mentioned

• Les Arcs Ski Resort
• Professor Brian Cox

Connect with Simon Beck

• Simon Beck on Instagram
• Snow Art by Simon Beck

Connect with Nicholas Wilton and Art2Life

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