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babuToscano

Luminarias del Pueblo

A Project of the Tucson Pima Arts Council

Metamorphosis
by Babu & Toscano
Sponsor:
Friends of the Tucson Downtown Alliance
Nonprofit:
It's Happening Downtown, Inc (subsidiary of the Tucson Downtown Alliance)

The main inspiration for ‘Metamorphosis' was derived from the essence of the ‘basic luminaria', which is the flame of the candle. It is a metamorphosis of both, the form of light, as well as materials.

‘Metamorphosis' is designed to be viewed both by day and night. It is an aesthetically pleasing, solid tectonic form by day, exhibiting a refreshing gradation of materials like rocks, cor-ten steel and copper. The transformation takes place in the night, when the sculpture is lit from inside and the solid rock base seems to transmutate and ‘glow' forming a translucent entity. Directional Lights are also used to emphasize the playfulness of the metal forms.

The sculpture also represents the morphosis of materials from Crude Natural Rock Ore to the Molded Metallic Form.

Materials

Base Natural colored rocks – held together with wire mesh, in a steel frame if required.

Broken Glass Pieces may also be interspaced in between.

Flame Molded Cor-Ten steel and Copper.

The essence of the flame is captured with the use of natural metals such as cor-ten finish steel and copper, emanating from the earthen rock base used to represent the earth.

The design consists of a main hollow base built of a wire-metal mesh enclosing the indigenous rocks within them. Steel may be used to make the frame more stable. The rocks will be packed in the mesh in such a way that it looks like a solid natural tectonic entity during the day time, but at the same time allows for natural ventilation as well as maximum penetration of light during the night. Broken Glass pieces may be inserted at places to add a touch of mystery and color. The varying colors and sizes of small natural rocks used in the base will also add to the visual stimulation.

The hollow base will also be used to serve as a storage space for the battery and controller. The solar panel can be built into the upper part of the base with the required angle for maximum energy absorption. The panel base may be operable, which gives access to the battery and controller within the base.

‘Metamorphosis' is an attempt at demonstrating the crux of the luminaria, using natural and indigenous materials in context to the surrounding environment, while not compromising on functionality.