Converge

This piece is located in a new park being built adjacent to a housing development in Cupertino in the South San Francisco Bay area. I was asked to design something that reflected on the location and the nature of the City of Cupertino. I wanted to come up with something that could work on many levels and might reveal more to people who were regular visitors to the park over time. Two 18ft diameter circles at the intersection of the park’s pathways were chosen as the areas in which to focus the artwork.

Things that interest me about the area: the diverse and migrant population; the convergence of transportation especially the freeways and airport; the wetlands at the South Bay being a huge draw for migrating birds; the quick transition of the area from an agricultural center of vineyards and fruit orchards, to being a high-tech hub of silicon valley.

The design of the artwork abstractly alludes to all these things. The vine shapes are quite literal, whereas the linear patterned element scan be construed as many things – rivers, trees, roots, ropes, braids. All of these feel appropriate to the idea of migration and convergence. The metal discs that “orbit” one area are cut with patterns found in Chinese and Indian textiles and architecture.  The concrete plinths are sculpture, street furniture, and play objects combined and form a focal point within the park’s pathways.

And some images of the piece taking shape ...