Lightning Strikes
by Doug Shelton
Sponsor: Tucson Electric Power
Nonprofit: Tucson Pima Arts Council

This sculpture is a highly stylized interpretation of a lightning bolt. It is about nine feet high and is a bold design statement, reflecting the phenomena itself.

At the base it is about 30” by 18” in cross section and tapers gradually to about 6” deep at the top. The sculpture is bolted [for easy access to the interior] to a large [approximately 36” x 24”] steel plate which can be staked at each corner for added stability. This base would typically be covered with a thin layer of soil to hide it. The framework of the sculpture, which is both structural and decorative, is made of 1/8” x 1” iron with all the pieces welded together and painted a dark color. The center lightning bolt shape is made of semi-opaque white Plexiglas. This part of the design is illuminated from within. The rest of the sculpture is covered with thin sheets of copper. Both the copper and Plexiglas are attached to the framework from the inside with bolts and sheet metal screws. Both sides of the sculpture are similar in design. The copper will obtain a nice patina over time and the complete sculpture should be extremely durable for years.

The solar cell is attached to the luminaria on the surface which is angled at about 30 degrees. The battery is located inside the sculpture as well as the charge controller and lights, making the luminaria a self-contained sculpture.