Mountains have always been a source of intense inspiration in my life. To a certain eye, they stand like an invitation, posing an irresistible challenge in the most blatant and unassuming terms. To stand on top, to descend steep couloirs, or simply to exist in their presence; an objective can always be found with sufficient wildness ripe for adventure.
I wanted to experiment with digital tools to create artworks that capture the feeling of being in the presence of some of the world's most iconic peaks, and printing these designs on Wagner's custom skis was the perfect medium.
I sourced elevation data from LIDAR and satellite imagery to create accurate 3D models of four mountains: Cerro Torre, a test piece for modern alpinism in the Patagonia region of Argentina, Ama Dablam, one of the most stunning peaks in the Himalaya, Denali, the highest peak in North America, and the most instantly recognizable peak in the Alps: the Matterhorn.
These high resolution models were rendered in a transparent material, with colorful lighting in the scene reflecting off and refracting through the form of the mountain. The accurate detail in the geometry of the mountains melts into abstract color as you move down the ski.
After creating these designs, Wagner Custom Skis offered me a full time position as a graphic designer and engineer at their factory.
The Cerro Torre design was voted as Wagner Custom's 2022-23 Fan Favorite Graphic
These graphics are available as custom skis on Wagner's site.
You can read more about my process and inspiration in this interview.
