SPARK: Ene’s Installation Dispatch

Three of the four mosaic murals comprising Spark.

We recently finished installing SPARK, a series of four 9′ x 12′ mosaic murals integrated into the walls of the planetarium at Chabot College in Hayward, CA. Symbolizing the spark of inspiration, of creativity and insight fostered through education at the college, the artwork also evokes the cosmos and spirit of scientific inquiry.

Spark, detail

The murals are created from thousands of pieces of hand-cut glass, iridescent glass and mirror. The work explores the expressive potential of mosaic, with the purpose of creating intensely colorful, reflective  compositions that shift character as the light changes. At the beginning of the day, the gold highlights are most prominent in the red mural, but at dusk the iridescent blue details emerge.

Spark, details

Culminating close to two years worth of design, planning and fabrication, the installation experience was exhilarating. Faculty, students and staff were so enthusiastic, it reminded me of why we commit ourselves to working in the public realm. One morning during the installation, a custodian came by the site at 8 AM; “I’ve worked on this campus for 20 years, and I’ve been waiting for something like this; I will love seeing these murals every day,” he shared. Scott Hildreth, a professor who teaches  in the planetarium, came by with a box of donuts for us on the very first day of our work on site; he later returned with his wife and children, who each added  pieces to the mosaics.

Heartfelt thanks to Alexandra Blatteis for her skill, patience, and sense of humor as she worked closely with me throughout this commission.

Planetarium at Chabot College (prior to installation).

To read more about the development of Spark, click here and scroll down.

Special thanks to all those who contributed:
Diane Zuliani
Gary Goss &  Dave (G4 Fabrication Design & Consulting, LLC)
Henry Eakland
Debbie Bakal
Susan Ensign
Bonnie Volk
Samantha Blatteis
John Blatteis