Constructed Cartograms
Online research led
me to the Worldmapper website where I found the unique two-dimensional shapes
created by Benjamin D. Hennig’s
Phd. research. These gridded population cartograms reflected the human
landscape, but also suggested abstracted insects, animals, and flora. I was intrigued by the possibility of
sculpting these shapes and Ben was enthusiastic about a cross-pollinization of
the arts and sciences. Images of my sculpted cartograms have been included in
several of his lectures including a presentation to Population Special Group at
the 2012 meeting of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) in New York.
The first phase of
this body of work has focused on the countries of the Middle East. Interpreting maps that reflect the
location of the people seemed like an appropriate place to begin. Color and
texture always play an important role in my sculpture. The gold and silver line work is used
to suggest the potential for human flexibility and success. The crawly,
cracking glazes represent shifting circumstances and political changes.
The maps presented
in these sculptures are equal area cartograms, otherwise known as
density-equalizing maps. The cartogram re-sizes each territory according to the
variable being mapped. In this case the variable is the human population. The
underlying grid ensures the preservation of an accurate geographic reference to
the real world. Please view Ben’s
website at www.worldpopulationatlas.org
for more maps and information.
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