“The Farfarer” collages are based on archeological findings of ancient mariner merchant trading between the Mediterranian and extreme northern latitudes. Sailors who traveled far into the unknown waters of northern oceans prior to recorded history were known as Farfarers. The original vessels were fabricated of waterproofed sealskins stretched over a wooden framework of ribs and longitudinal stringers.

There were no maps or reliable navigational instruments at the time. Unlike the merchant ships, which sailed using known landmark sightings within approximate time periods, the Farfarers struck out beyond; into the unknown waters, looking for untapped shores rich with seals and walruses. Their objective was richly profitable trade.

Navigational aids of the time were their heightened awareness of such natural phenomena as water currents, color of the sky, sun location, temperature, presence and flight patterns of certain kinds of birds etc. Based on later accounts in the Icelandic Sagas, the estimated chance of return for a ship embarking on such an exploratory mission was 60%.