Dirt Bike Motocross

About the print: “Dirt Bike Motocross” shows the sport of dirt bike racing with trail bikes. The image came from a race the artist attended in California. One of the points of interest is the treatment of the background. The main action is in the foreground. In contrast, the artist uses line work and a more limited color palette to create another scene that dissolves into the background, becoming a visual pattern that sets up an optical vibration.

About the series: Through his interest in sailing the artist became aware of the increasing significance of leisure time pursuits as an American cultural obsession. Increasing economic prosperity has allowed the average person more time off and the money for leisure time activities. The artist observed that identifying strongly with a specific sporting activity is akin to joining a sub-culture; a social group identified by a common dress, terminology, etiquette, and set of behaviors. During the years 1975 through 1978 Pond traveled extensively around the United States to create this series showing leisure time enthusiasts in their finest moments.