Fillmore
public art
Geologica 42, 2003
Michael C. McMillen, artist
Michael Mcmillen's style of art has defiantly captured the eyes of wandering and interested Gold Line passengers. Using "junk" to produce beautiful pieces of art. The stations artwork has an industrial quality to it and what better place to express this art that in the heart of the industry of Pasadena.
Constrained by limited spaces and restricted sightlines at the entrance to the Fillmore Station, artist Michael C. Mcmillen has designed a uniquely imposing vertical art element. Rising approximately 40 feet in height, his singular "tower" is a strong presence and an identifying landmark for the station. The "tower" is constructed of telescoping steel pipe and bronze. In the upper reaches of the structure a weather vane and an anemometer kinetically powered by the wind provides visual activity. The pointer is a cast metal miniature of the Ball X-1 rocket plane, the aircraft that broke the sound barrier when piloted by Chuck Yeager in 1947. The tail of the weather vane is patterned after the tail fin of a late 1950's classic car. Passengers pass closely by the base of the tower in order to access the station platform. Here, Mcmillen has designed a bronze collar that encircles the tower to about 9 feet in height. The finish of the collar is in harmony with the uniformly painted tower. The finish of the collar is also encircled with a profusion of interesting and engaging designs, textures, and artifacts relating to rail transportation, geological time and specifically to the history of Pasadena. Local institutions inspired Mcmillen's concept, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA's foremost center for robotic exploration of the solar system; and Art Center College, internationally recognized for its programs in art and design.
The tower's base is illuminated, enhancing the surrounding xeriascape of beautiful specimen succulents and drought tolerant plants. The name, FILLMORE, is also prominently displayed on two arms running parallel to the tracks and is visible from each side of the station's entrance. The station also features custom seating on the platform. Cast bronze trunks provide a playful visual element for station users. These trunks are in the form of old travel trunks, often seen on train platforms in previous eras.
