Artist Uses Maps to Make Incredible Portraits

British artist Ed Fairburn, 23, created this series of incredible portraits made from maps. He uses the topography found in maps to mimic human characteristics, and the result is complex and compelling. Fairburn, who graduated from Cardiff School of Art and Design in England last July, told ABCNews.com, “The map work was a natural continuation of my last few projects. My work has always been based on the human figure, and through those studies, I've examined the intricate patterns that exist throughout the body.” Through his work, Fairburn synchronizes the patterns that exist on a map to imitate the patterns found on a face.  He uses maps he finds in charity shops or old book shops and explained, “The portraits can take anywhere between several days or several months to complete. It depends on the size and complexity of the image.”