The Rancho Vista Park, in Palmdale, California is a central recreation and natural area for the residents. A sculptural piece with mass in height, rather than surface is called for. 17’ in height is allowable. Natural theme. A Wind Activated Kinetic Sculpture is desired.

“ The surrounding landscape will serve as a base from which the sculptural element can rise and act as the focal point.”

Proposed. Painted steel kinetic sculpture(s) with transparent automotive colors and clear coats over polished steel and aluminum sheet. The following artworks are actual and proposed artworks that will be reviewed as having elements that may be applied to the commission:

Rancho Vista Park- Art Proposal and Narrative

John King Proposal

“Sky Calligraphy”

An up to 17’ tall x 13’ x 13’ Soaring bird wing sculpture. Viewed from the side and from underneath. Moved by the wind.

Carbon steel tubing and sheet metal construction. Transparent automotive colors over polished steel and aluminum. Some acrylic plastic panels.

Inherent Themes:

Look Up to locate yourself. The wider horizon around us is our source and destination.
·A flight of birds circling in the center of the Forest, Village, Community. Information comes from connecting with and being present in the center.
· A community of moving elements, bird wings overhead, the shapes and forms of their interactions brought to life by the wind. Our relationship with Nature informs our Inspiration.
·The Calligraphy of bird wings gliding overhead.

I live on a river in Lyons, Colorado and make my artworks there. I am inspired by the movements of Nature, the wind and water and the interaction of the viewer. My work often finds its way to urban display sites. My work is friendly, connecting, optimistic and about this important moment.

I have been creating kinetic wind activated artworks for many years. They are durable and long lived. They come alive.

I do lots of art with hospitals, schools, crisis centers, recreation centers. Places where humans are doing good things. I want to be in on this project.

Sculpture Specifications

· This sculpture will be a smaller and original version of my much larger “sky writing” pieces in China and Colorado.

· What is it? An vertical tower of Bird Wings with individually moving wing sections gliding overhead, The piece can be viewed from the side on approach or from directly underneath looking upward.

· The artwork will include a base tower that elevates all moving parts to a height of 8’+ above the ground. Out of reach of viewers.

· Artwork is to be attached to an existing concrete slab on grade foundation or 36” pier at the agreed upon location.

· Proposal details will evolve during design process.

· Colors will be selected with the interaction of the art committee during a zoom studio visit after fabrication is largely complete. Possible colors include stainless steel.

· Materials are tubular carbon steel construction w transparent automotive colors over polished aluminum and galvanized steel sheet. All moving parts use sealed ball bearings that are easily replaceable.

· Recommended maintenance is cleaning and surface protection. Auto Painted surfaces should last 10 years or more. An application of “Permalac” surface protectant to the sculpture every 2 to 3 years will prolong the beauty of the painted surfaces. Estimated life span of the sealed ball bearings is 10 years or more.

· Wind ! I know you have high winds in Palmdale! I too live in a location with blistering Winter winds and thermal gust fronts in Summer. I make sculptures that delight and swim in the turbulent river of air. This piece employs a mechanical moving system I call the Glider. It turns and seeks into the wind and is very comfortable in itself. Look at some of the included videos to see this motion. No buzzing and spinning.

See the Tangerine Glider Video here.

“Tree of Wings” in Philip Miller Park in Castle Rock, Colorado.

“Snap Dragon” at Cornerstone Park, Littleton

Aurora “Sunrise” 22’ high

“Wave Sprite” proposal #2 16” high moving waves of the Sky and the River- Kinetic

Crossing Paths at Boulder Community Hospital

“ Tangerine Dragon” at the Riverhouse Studios in Lyons, CO.

“Palm Dancer” at International Kinetic Art Show, Boynton Beach, Florida

These are other large scale outdoor kinetic artworks on a natural theme. All with bright colors and elements of delight and whimsy.

“Crescent Tree” at Kaiser Permanente Centrepoint Medical Offices, Aurora, CO.

Sky Writing at “Beihai Tide” International Kinetic Art Exposition, China. Permanent acquisition by the City of Beihai, China. This sculpture is 30’ tall.