ROD BAER STUDIOS
Public Art Project Summaries
Claremont Metrolink Transit Depot: Loose Rivets, Conductor's Pocketwatch...Along with style and content the city had five additional concerns 1) safety and federal regulatory guidelines for placement, materials, clearances, etc. 2) access from multiple entries 3) diverse viewers 4) integrity of historical site 5) maintenance and vandal resistance. Meeting with various groups cleared many of these issues. Other aspects were resolved by creating landmark works at both ends of the station to announce Claremont as a destination from various angles, heights and paths so people departing and arriving from the train, parking facility, passing cars or various waiting areas would all be addressed equally. In addition, art was arranged so that the interplay of sculptural themes would be discovered and amplified as people walked through the complex. Many of these pieces also double as informal benches and tables to break the monotony of more conventional seating.
Selected by Art in America's Annual Guide as a "year in review highlight" of Public Art.
Tri-City Centre: Social Engagement
This is a multi-site installation of chairs on steel girder arcs. Reminiscent of cogs on gears, various parts emerge and disappear into buildings, reflecting pools and surrounding landscape, as if a giant mechanism lies buried, but partially exposed, under the surface. Tilting seats and a three story wheel/gear command attention on the grass of the main traffic circle, while serving as the gateway to the combined hotel and industrial park complex. Other elements flank paths and entrances.
Before final installation, some of the sculptural tableaux were borrowed by the neighboring city of San Bernadino for temporary public exhibit on the outdoor plaza of City Hall.
Airport Plaza: Flying on Neon Thermals
Adjacent to the Van Nuys Airport, this commission involves the intermixing of commercial signs, sculpture and lighting. It features a 5 story tower with 30' cantilevered banners and steel lattice that appear to wrap around as if caught in the wind. A giant aluminum "paper airplane" flies overhead, riding a spiraling neon "thermal draft" that encircles the uppermost section. The angles, light, narrow footing and verticality overcome limited art space to meet the needs of clients and developers for an integrated package of visiblity, art, theme and dramatic landmark.
Won a national award for design in commercial properties from the sign industry.
Westwood Village Public Art Project: Broxton Avenue (working title)
City of Los Angeles renovation project in the center of Westwood District, consists of a block long streetscape of inlaid concrete and mixed media mimicking a game board with an installation of freestanding sculptural objects. Approx. 60x600'
(scheduled for 1997-98)
Robertson Blvd. Public Art Project: Here Is
Centered in a design and fashion district bordering the cities of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, Here is incorporates a five story installation of poetic text and photo etched metal panels exploring themes of anonymity, location and cultural identification.
(scheduled completion Winter 1997)
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