Gyrocopter

About the print: “Gyrocopter” shows a novel and fairly risky form of flight that the artist observed in California. The piece shows the artist’s interest in mechanical details enhanced by his interest in color relationships. This image, along with other flight related prints in this series, can be found in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

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.