April 29, 2004

Glass ‘spectral cloud’ to become focal point of new Almaden Community Center

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

As demolition plans begin to pave the way for the reconstruction of the Almaden Branch Library and Community Center, details of the new state-of-the art 60,000-square-foot facility are starting to poke through the rubble, including artwork that promises to be a dramatic focal point in the heart of the main building.

During a presentation to the Public Art Advisory Council Tuesday evening, glass artist Ray King demonstrated his plans for a translucent “spectral cloud,” a 14-foot diameter sphere comprised of over 8,000 pieces of laminated dichroic glass, suspended from the ceiling upon hundreds of strategically placed stainless steel cables to create a curved, three-dimensional “cloud” in the atrium space of the community center lobby.

Designed to interact with both natural sunlight and electric down lights, the “spectral cloud,” as King calls it, will be made of small, 1-3/4 inch by ½-inch, handcut pieces of glass, equipped with a high-tech, metallic dichroic coating that will enable each piece to literally come alive—reflecting one color [blue], while projecting its opposite color [orange] into the surrounding space.

“Dichroic means two colors,” explains King. “It’s a super thin, transparent metal coating that’s been spattered onto the glass, with an electrical charge that adheres it to the surface. The color is not pigment, rather a vibration of light that will enable it to literally have a conversation with the sun.”

The projections will follow a spherical pattern that will change depending on the orientation of the sun’s angles and the viewer’s location throughout the day. At night, strategically placed lighting will reflect the images onto the floor and surrounding areas.

According to King, the glass components will be fabricated, cut, polished and drilled in his studio. The 1,200-pound sculpture will take approximately six months to fabricate, followed by a two-week installation period.

“When you walk through the front doors, that will be the first thing that you see,” exclaims Suzanne Rostamizadeh, who now works at the Vineland Branch library. “This will be the welcoming node, as we call it, for the entire building. I think the community is going to really appreciate this unique and wonderful piece.”

Rostamizadeh says the community will have an opportunity to view the schematic design this Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Vineland Branch Library, during their first semi-annual book sale.

“Spectral Cloud will appeal to viewers’ sense of wonderment and curiosity,” says King. “It is designed to spark their imagination, and challenge their minds. As always, my intent is to create a sculpture that evokes a sense of fascination, stimulation, beauty, contemplation, and intrigue for all.”