Aristides Demetrios’ Wind Harp
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Before I got here, I assumed incorrectly that there would be some kind of wires that the wind would pass through and make to sing. But upon arrival, I found the whole thing is basically just steel girders. Definitely a bit sophisticated. Timing this for a windy day is the trick though. It helps that the sculpture is atop a hill, but mild zephyrs are no good, you need gusts.
An annoying bit is that there are some noisy compressors nearby: One at the base of the path up, and another at a rooftop nearer the Wind Harp. Definitely detracts from the auditory experience. Here’s my best attempt at recording. My microphone isn’t the best in the wind, though.
There is a sign at the entrance to the park with a picture of some irises that reads:
South San Francisco
HISTORIC SITE
On this site
CABOT CABOT & FORBES TOWER
1967
Aristides Demetries, one of America’s best known sculptors, created this steel sculpture as a symbol of Cabot Cabot & Forbes Industrial Park. Situated 243 feet above sea level, it rises to a height of 94 feet and can be seen from the Bay Bridge, the East Bay, and San Francisco International Airport. Called “the Wind Tower” locally. Places under the auspices of the South San Francisco
Historical Society and Historical Preservation Commission
And at the base of the tower is a plaque that reads:
WIND HARP
Artists: Lucia and Aristides Demetrios
Dedicated by Cabot, Cabot and Forbes March 28, 1967
Acquired by City of South San Francisco 1996
Re-Dedicated March 28, 1997
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS 1992-1997
James Datzman Gus Nicolopulos
Jack Drago John Penna
Joseph Fernekes Roberta Teglia
Eugene Mullin Robert Yee
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Ted Bartell Victor Feudale
Jose de Larios Jake Jones
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
Glenda Ali Shirley Nichols
Ronald Burgess Elizabeth Nisperos
Patricia Burke Margaret Pierson
Dennis Crossland Elsie Pollastrini
Barbara Dematter Anne Waters
Alicia Gonzales Joy Ann Wandler
Karyl Matsumote Susan Yau
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Genentech Inc.
Cabot Cabot & Forbes in the 1960s was a national real estate developer. It seems nowadays they are confined to New England and the surrounding area is almost completely ruled by Genentech. Also note that the plaque is the only evidence that Lucia Demetrios contributed to the project. She however is a metalworker, and now apparently goes by the surname of Eames
If you like alternate-energy powered sculptures that make sounds, be sure to check out the nearby Wave Organ and Earth Song Tuning Fork.
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