Simon Beck Snow Art | Book Review

Simon Beck Snow Art, published by S-Editions, 2014. Hardcover, 167pp. Is it possible to transform your passions into a profession? And to unite artwork with an outdoor activity that can be compared to the most challenging sports? Despite not exactly aiming to address these questions, Simon Beck, in his book Snow Art, shows how he has been creating a difficult but pleasing art that combines all of the subjects about which he is passionate – snow, the outdoors, drawing, and orienteering. Although the book is not a guide on how to make this kind of art, the reader will find some practical tips in the easy-to-read texts, written in English and French and accompanied by a large number of pictures. It is a valuable book for those interested in this incomparable work that transforms the flat surfaces of frozen sites into unique artistic creations.

Simon Beck Snow Art

The Achievement of Uncommon Goals The topics by which the book is organized allow the reader to explore the various aspects of the author’s life and work without necessarily having to follow the suggested order. In the introduction, there is a brief history of the factors that contributed to Beck’s change from the field of orienteering maps production to a creative profession, transferring the skills from the former occupation to the new one. It is an inspiring example of the energetic and disciplined artist who was able to find a way to unite the activities and environments he has enjoyed since a very young age. The Practice of Snow Art Although Beck carries out most of the work alone, some complex and large-scaled drawings require assistants. This issue and others — such as how to maintain the regularity of the patterns — are described in this section, where the former orienteering map producer and current snow artist tells us a bit about the tools and techniques he uses to produce his art. Related Articles:

• Awesome Displays of Temporary Land Art
• 10 Amazing Landscapes You Won’t Believe Are NOT Photoshopped
• Mind Blowing Snow Art – A New Way to Think of Snow

After reading the short but informative text and looking at the related pictures, one will have a better idea about the tools used to measure the site and the time required for different scales of drawings. The results can be appreciated through the pictures, which show figurative drawings such as the reproduction of a church with the purpose to make Christmas cards. However, Beck’s work is more famous for the repetition of geometric forms, whose reliefs create areas with different levels of brightness and shadow, producing fantastic visual effects . Inspiration for Snow Art Where does the inspiration for such wonderful creations come from? Most are based on drawings the author used to make on paper in his childhood. As he became more experienced, his drawings have gradually been transformed into more complex versions. Snow Art Photography Because snow art is temporary, it relies on photography to be recorded for posterity. Therefore, the artist developed certain techniques to enhance his work, and he also shares this experience with the reader. He gives some advice on how to adjust the schedule to have the work ready on a sunny day, as well as choosing the best positions in relation to the sun and the times of the day to get high-quality general views and close-up photos that clearly show the textures produced on snow surfaces. Get it HERE! Dangers vs. Ideal Conditions Beck’s work is not the kind of art for those looking for a relaxing activity, but it is actually a perfect fit for people interested in challenging and risk-taking exercise. These people will find in the book some important advice to be well prepared for the work, avoid accidents, and reduce risks, in addition to learning the ideal conditions that lead to the best results in snow drawing. Next Steps After having achieved important goals in his career as a snow artist, Beck feels he is ready to try something new, and talks about some of the possibilities he has been considering, such as continuing his drawings in different materials. He also has some worries about the future of snow art, giving us some clues about his intentions to guarantee that it will continue to be practiced to embellish the environment and raise awareness on the preservation of snowy landscapes. Beck’s book is a must read for those who love outdoor art and landscape photography.

Pick up your copy of Simon Beck Snow Art

Book review by Tania Gianone Return to Homepage

Published in Blog