As joggers use GPS tracking apps like Strava to sketch their jogging routes, a burgeoning trend known as “run art” is gaining traction in the Bay Area.
52 years old Frank Chan isn’t your typical performer. He doesn’t even use a brush, paint, or clay. Rather, his only resources are a map, the Strava app, running shoes, and a ton of endurance.
Like most artists, Chan enjoys having a personal connection to his work. Itay Hod, a reporter for CBS News Bay Area, showed him a picture of his cat, Oscar, when he asked for recommendations. Chan concurred.
“This picture of him staring up appeals to me. He had a yearning expression. Thus, I believe this might work,” Chan remarked.
Chan is a so-called “run artist,” transforming thousands of steps into enormous artworks that cover entire cityscapes using GPS tracking and the Strava app.
His portfolio features anything from classic record covers to Disney characters, such as a 46-mile run that depicts the artwork for Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Recently, that picture went viral on Reddit.
“This constraint is provided by the street grid, which makes it an intriguing task. You can’t go over anywhere you want with a pencil. “You must follow the streets,” he remarked.
Although run art is becoming more and more popular worldwide, Strava’s home city of San Francisco is where it really took off. Initially, the software was made to assist cyclists and runners in tracking their travels.
According to Rob Terrell, Strava’s Chief Technology Officer, the firm recently released guidelines on how to become a run artist because of how quickly this unconventional use of the app is spreading.
His words, “I was personally surprised,” “I use Strava to keep track of my runs and rides. It resembles a private journal. I never gave sharing that with the public any thought.
You don’t have to be Picasso to make a meow-sterpiece, as Chan proved when he finished his portrait of Oscar after a little over two hours and almost eight miles.
“That’s pretty good!” he exclaimed, praising his craftsmanship. “I would say this was a success.”
Visit Chan’s Instagram feed @chanarchy to view additional run art.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.