Gold

My favorite place is just off of Battery Caulfield Road aka Juan Bautista de Anza Nat'l Historic Trail, trailhead beyond 2 small blonde-coloured brick buildings. It has a intimate feel yet wide open in spots, natural and rustic yet worked out construction area dot the area -- welcoming friendly yet the closed down Public Health Service Hospital is somewhat ghostly. I like the tension here and the charming artful atmosphere. Sunny spots, plus dappled light. A wondrous hidden gem, perfect for healthful adventure -- and artistic programming. Only 2 pics, as I was out of film and at the end of my tour that day. Parking is nearby, and bus stops just beyond that on 15th and California -- so access is not an issue. I'm told that construction or decontruction is scheduled for around that are, so I'm looking forward to a site visit of this and many of the new sites soon with our wonderful host and partner The Presidio Trust.

Presidio, San Francisco, California 2008, photograph courtesy of Elliot Lessing

Four!

Just beyond the Golf Club on what might be the Bay Area Ridge Trail (or just off of it on the Arguello Gateway Trail?) lies a medium-wide stretch of beautful parkway -- leading through an area where plant or tree restoration is taking place, and gorgeous little wooded coves abound. It moves along the border of the golf course, which lends this walk a curious interzone feel -- which I like. Sun is in abundance in some places and dappled in others. I include as one of 3 top choices to consider -- though as I understand it, in August, another artist is scheduled to install in the trees near the resotration area, and would not to conflict with the artist's conceptual or programmatic plans. Also, the idea of placing Silver Sun in the general locale and/or on the heels of another art project -- does pose some hesitancy. Wish to explore this locale further -- but it is a lovely and unusal place.

Presidio, San Francisco, California 2008, photograph courtesy of Elliot Lessing

I'm Square

At the Main Post of The Presidio is Pershing Square. Though not a spot to launch Silver Sun during its run -- it may be a nice place to hold a related event or activity. It is central, has massive parking, and maintains an open, airy historical feel that is relaxing. Bronze memorial statues dot this little island in the parking lot. Very Americana!

Presidio, San Francisco, California 2008, photograph courtesy of Elliot Lessing

Savage Garden

Just below Fort Scott near Upton & Wool Ave, below a parking lot is a small trailhead leading to a mini lush camping area reserved for a kid's camp program for The Presidio. The trail leads to a small bridge and has a wild overgown ambience that is sensuous, nouveau, and exquisitely primal. The spot has an intimacy, though perhaps too intimate in size to comfortably accomodate the Silver Sun project. The stone bridge and walkways are created by the WPA, so I'm told -- giving this place a distinctly historical air, which is charming. Perhaps, we could include it as part of related programming? It is a hidden gem!

Presidio, San Francisco, California 2008, photograph courtesy of Elliot Lessing

Counter Direction

Another idea is Fort Scott. This locale presents a totally different direction for Silver Sun than originally envisioned. Surrounded by a circle of army barracks (some abandoned), it has a vast open field of grass lands with an unusual view of the tops of the Golden Gate Bridge, wide sky views, and California's Great Blue Heron. I saw one when exploring this region -- and it was a grand sight to behold. They have a kind of prehisotric quality which I marvel at.

Though much sun exists here to power our centerpiece sculpture, my instincts tells me that the space would dwarf this project. I would like to work with it though -- perhaps as a site for related programming for Silver Sun, or for a future project? Compelling space nonetheless.

Presidio, San Francisco, California 2008, photograph courtesy of Elliot Lessing

Crossroads

Launch site exploration continues with 2 extensive walking tours of The Presidio and pics of possible choices, near misses, and gorgeous inspiration for Silver Sun. Part of 3 top choices for Silver Sun would be near or just beyond the entrance trail to El Polin Springs. Active foot traffic of hikers, pet walkers, families, tourist, and explorers near this crossroads -- means higher visibility for the project. Sun is direct or dappled. Nice places to nestle too. Good natural views, plus fairly good opportunities for related programming. The only concern is that this is well travelled area -- diminishing the new adventure goal of Silver Sun.

Presidio, San Francisco, California 2008, photograph courtesy of Elliot Lessing