Snowmobile

About this print: There are three different locations that inspired the image of “Snowmobile”: Vermont, the Winter Festival at Lake George, NY, and a winter spent in Wisconsin. The artist fantasized himself as the driver of this racing snowmobile. The driver’s number “37” is a reference to the artist’s age at the time he created this print, and the location of Tunbridge, VT is a reference to the town where he has spent many summers.

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.