This is a mixed media drawing of an imaginary journey through the environment in which I live. Elements include water features and shoreline, “neighborhoods”, sharp-edged structures of varying sizes, bridges, and the path taken. The perspective is birds-eye, and the palette is loosely inspired by nautical charts. This is one of many small Wayfinding studies in which I develop vocabulary for the series of paintings by the same name.
Brought into focus is how we move through space using only walking without external GPS. As a technique for mapping, walking offers experiences and perspectives not available to drivers, and engages what amounts to our innate GPS. The process requires movement through space, that the walker keeps track of directional choices and significant landmarks, and demands the ability to mentally run a pathway in reverse. The process also may include interactions with other people or animals.
Here walking functions as a tool, and has the goal of creating a personal, mental and possibly physical map of a journey. My background as a dancer makes this approach to occupying and interacting with space both familiar and obvious. It is meaningful that no observed feature of the environment is taken for granted.
Some questions:
What and/or who is noticed by a walker?
What relationship does the walker have with what is noticed?
Does a relationship with what is noticed express, or suggest the possibility of a connection that makes remembering the way easier?
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