WallyGPX

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Mr. Pickles

Art should not fear technology, but embrace it.

Cruising the net last night I found this little gem. Lately I have been really curious about other peoples artistic ideas and the use of different mediums to express themselves. As one who stumbles the streets while most people are sleeping, canned wine in one hand, spray can in the other, I could never envision this idea let alone step up and put it in effect.

Michael Wallace, 39, is a middle school teacher from Baltimore, Maryland, who I imagine as a child enjoyed join the dots colouring books and etch-a-sketch’s maybe a little too much (could there be such a thing?). As he grew older and technology was embraced more and more into a daily feature of our society, I’d like to think he had some sort of life changing event with the all too often annoying little gadgets that are GPS navigators. The result? One of the most creative things I have probably ever seen. This is the kind of thing when you first look at the image you think, so what? But once you are enlightened with how these were made it becomes so much more exciting and special, well for me any way…

Michael had the idea to to attempt to scroll his name in a GPS tracked bike trip around his neighbourhood and the whole thing extended from there.

“My biking history goes way back, but only in recent times have I taken on an internal passion for blending technology with creativity and exercise. As of now, my portfolio consists of two distinct riding seasons, and I plan to continue to draw inspiration and happiness from the organized exploration of my “local canvas”.”

“I plan my routes by printing out a blank map of the area. I then sketch my intended “Original Line”. The ride plan is not complete until I go over my pathway in satellite view for modification purposes. This is necessary in the event of searching for alleyways and the finding of landmarks during open space areas such as the park. I use these maps for navigation when riding.”

Here’s a few, but go check out his site – WallyGPX

‘Donkey Kong’