Elements of Valor
1999 – 2001 "Elements of Valor" – artwork for Fire Station No. 34 • by Laura Larson
commissioned by the Cultural Affairs Division of the City of Pasadena
with thanks to the Fire Fighters/Paramedics of Fire Station No. 34
and the California Institute of Technology – Institute Relations
This public art project examines the “elements”- fire, water, air, earth - from the perspective of alchemy (the ART of knowing), and beyond that to modern science and mathematics, within the context of the heroic work of fire fighters and paramedics. Since the Fire Station is located on the Cal Tech campus, I was inspired to incorporate mathematical equations, symbolic drawings (chemical and alchemical), text from the fire fighters, as well as figures of fire fighters in the design of the project. I have chosen the medium of etched glass mirrors, which are “reflective” (like water) and changeable with movement (like fire). With the intention of honoring the fire fighters and paramedics, mirrors also seemed appropriate because they have an association with awards and honors. The floor design is taken from a mosaic design on the facade of the old fire station #34. In the center of the design is an etched alchemical symbol for aqua vitae - “the elixir of life.”
commissioned by the Cultural Affairs Division of the City of Pasadena
with thanks to the Fire Fighters/Paramedics of Fire Station No. 34
and the California Institute of Technology – Institute Relations
This public art project examines the “elements”- fire, water, air, earth - from the perspective of alchemy (the ART of knowing), and beyond that to modern science and mathematics, within the context of the heroic work of fire fighters and paramedics. Since the Fire Station is located on the Cal Tech campus, I was inspired to incorporate mathematical equations, symbolic drawings (chemical and alchemical), text from the fire fighters, as well as figures of fire fighters in the design of the project. I have chosen the medium of etched glass mirrors, which are “reflective” (like water) and changeable with movement (like fire). With the intention of honoring the fire fighters and paramedics, mirrors also seemed appropriate because they have an association with awards and honors. The floor design is taken from a mosaic design on the facade of the old fire station #34. In the center of the design is an etched alchemical symbol for aqua vitae - “the elixir of life.”