A Project of the Tucson Pima Arts Council

Old Pueblo Totem
by Everett Grondin
Sponsor: Mining Investment Service
Nonprofit: Humane Society of Southern Arizona

My idea for this project centers on an Old Pueblo themed Totem Pole, with a copper Saguaro that wraps around the back side of the totem. Next to the saguaro will be a smaller century type cactus, made from steel sheeting and tubing, which is lit from the bottom up through the leaves, with one of the lights provided by Global Solar. This will have a rusty style finish.

At the top of its center stem will be a lit glass style flower, with light provided by an LED bulb. The saguaro will be made out of a single sheet of copper, 18 ga. Or heavier, that will be hand hammered into a partial of the cactus. From the back the outside diameter of the cactus will be lit by the other light provided by Global Solar. The concave side of the saguaro will have the totem set so as to sit inside, but far enough away to see inside the cactus. The totem will be lit on the inside with LED style directional bulbs. These will point to the back of the totem to shine through the designs cut at the back of each figure thus transferring that design directly and perfectly onto the inside of the copper saguaro. The front of the totem design cut outs would be lit by these same lights but would just have a natural glow since the lights would be pointed towards the back.

The Totem would be made from recycled propane and refrigerant cans, old G.I. gas cans, oil pans, and other recycled steel pieces. The figures would be fashioned after LOCAL wildlife, plant or landscape, or people. The design that shined on the inside of the saguaro would correspond in some way to the figure on front. If selected would like to get the Humane Society, and Mr. Andrews, the sponsor, involved in the selection of figures.

This would all be mounted onto a moss stone, with wiring and mounts going through the stone to prevent theft. Weight of stone would also make for a strong base in the wind. This can be powered by the solar system provided or easily converted to a 12 volt landscape system. Solar system to be mounted in external boulder box, and could be colored to match up with the moss stone selected. This style of lighting will easily fall within the 17 watt draw limit.

Copper and steel finishes would be protected with a hardened clear coat finish.