Overview
Suntrees is a sculptural, solar-powered lighting installation depicting imaginary organic plants, with glowing seed pods. This installation was built using a strong central, vertical bamboo log. Hidden in the center was a structural steel support structure, that coupled an anchoring stake to the ground, with splayed support arms that held each of the pod strands (thin bamboo). The pod strands were attached with twine at the top and bottom. To make the seeds, inflated yoga balls of various sizes were suspended inside of sewn fabric tubes, which were joined at the top around a solar panel-driven LED. The pictured installation location is in the deep dark desert, surrounded by space, so that the illuminated seeds might draw a curious observer in.
Inspiration
The theme for the art festival this piece was designed for was a "Green" theme, emphasizing ecology, a reduced human footprint, and natural systems. I find the contrast between the dry, otherwise quite dead desert, and life, bursting forth, quite compelling. For this reason, I decided to create a new plant life form, the "Suntree", choosing a seed-pod-like shape. Light here, on each seed, represents the plant's life force, and adds a beautiful nighttime element to the piece. Also, as an experiment in new materials, and in homage to bamboo pieces I had recently been inspired by, I chose to work with organic materials as primary visual elements. The pieces make heavy use of bamboo and sisal twine, to achieve a more wild, natural, primitive look than previous pieces.
