Here stand three reclaimed redwood logs. They are not just logs. They are the Solar Totems. These transformed logs turn the plaza into a civic solar and atmospheric observatory.
The Solar Totems were commissioned by the San Francisco Arts Commission. The installation was completed in 2017. The artist behind this unique work is Charles Sowers. He graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in Anthropology. Currently, he works as an exhibit developer for the Exploratorium.
Sowers’ love of science, architecture, meteorology, and technology are woven into this mesmerizing installation. It draws us in to better understand our natural surroundings. Sowers helps us slow down. He makes us notice natural phenomena that might otherwise go unnoticed.
These Solar Totems use spherical glass lenses. They are inspired by 19th-century meteorological instruments. The lenses write with sunshine. The glass sphere focuses the sun’s rays. It magnifies the light. The light burns a line from left to right across each log. Each line represents a distinct day with a unique weather pattern. Sunny days, partly cloudy days, and overcast days are all recorded.
Each day, a solar-powered mechanism moves the spherical lens upward slightly. This creates a new daily line. After one year, the 365 solar etchings on the redwood log become a sculptural archive. It captures the interaction of sun and weather patterns. This interaction is unique to this site. Once the yearly record is complete, the heliograph mechanism is transferred. It moves to a second redwood log for the second year of etchings.
Charles Sowers says that the Solar Totems artistically expand our understanding of place. They connect us to our environment. This connection happens through understanding.
These Solar Totems are a reminder. They remind us to pay attention to the world around us. They show us the beauty of science. They show us the intersection of art and nature. The Solar Totems stand. They stand as a testament to our environment.