A Project of the Tucson Pima Arts Council

Goddess of the Sun
by Bosmeny & SolMan
Sponsor: Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Nonprofit: Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Using our team’s expertise in metal work, mosaic tile & solar system design, we have proposed a unique, elegant and colorful kinetic, lighted sculpture to capture the essence of the old Pueblo .  We call her “Goddess of the Sun”.  She is a 9 1/2 foot tall Goddess, with a triangular base measuring 6’ x 6’ x 6’.  She has moving wings and a crowned head which illuminates at night as she looks up to the heavens.   

The “Goddess of the Sun” will be made of sheets of welded steel, in a triangular shape.  She will have a soft copper finish.  She will be further embellished with an exciting and colorful, mosaic, reminiscent of a serape blanket from our neighbors to the South.  This mosaic will be made up of both cut tile, broken tile and handmade ceramic tile.

The structure will utilize a UV-stabilized outdoor globe fixture (12”) which will represent the head of the Goddess.  The fixture will be adorned with a beautiful copper/steel crown, with inlaid stained glass. During the day the rectangular solar panels, integrated in the dress will charge the maintenance-free storage batteries.  As the sun sets, the light will glow and provide the lumen equivalent of a 60 watt incandescent bulb.   

Moveable solar kinetic wings, also adorned with inlaid stained glass will be attached to an ultra efficient motor gear drive assembly and will operate sun-synchronously by two custom circular solar panels which have also been integrated into the dress design. During the day, the Goddess wings will gently and rhythmically wave up and down at a slow hypnotic pace.   As the sun sets, the wings will stop moving and the head will in turn be energized by the charged batteries, lighting both the Goddess herself and the surrounding area.  This system will operate both day and night by providing motion during the day and illumination at night.

The solar panels will be incorporated in the east, south and west sides of the sloped dress.  This will allow the Goddess to receive the early east rising sun, the south sun, and the late west setting sun, as well.  This orientation will provide the optimum solar performance.

This majestic sculpture, which provides both movement and illumination, will be a beautiful addition to our city and an exciting educational testament to the possibilities of solar power in our abundant sun-kissed state.   We hope that our “Goddess of the Sun” will have the opportunity to mesmerize our Tucson neighbors with her grace, color, and design.  She will remind us that with the power of Sol, anything is possible!