About Sunbrothers
Kevin Gauna (that's me) started Sunbrothers in 1995 with a desire to create solar powered art. A young, newly graduated engineer, I was fascinated by solar cell technology and inspired by the marvels of a simple backyard garden. My original creations were small solar powered ornaments designed to hang in a sunny window. From there I moved on to sunflowers, vining sweet peas, roses...this list goes on. (more about Sunbrothers)
What is Solar Powered Sculpture?
Sunbrothers makes copper and bronze plants with handblown glass flowers and fruit. I build solar panels into the leaves and place lights in the flowers. During the day, sunlight charges up a set of batteries in the base of the sculpture. At night, the small lights inside the glass flowers make them glow, fade, and change color.
Essentially, my sculpture mimics nature by collecting and using the energy of the sun.
My work is distinguised by the attention to detail and subtle complexity of the technology that it represents. Every aspect of the work is custom designed and hand built, from the individual solar panels to the lampworked borosilicate glass. It is not uncommon for people to miss the solar panels altogether, and even mistake a sculpture for an actual living plant. And yet each piece is a literal example of a modern photovoltaic energy system; self contained, self supporting, and perhaps a small example of sophisticated technologies put to beneficial use. Plus they're real pretty...
The Workshop
My studio is in Richmond, California, near the Bayview Ave. exit off I-580. The address is 1345 S. 50th St. (a map and directions can be found here) and the phone number is (510) 215-2884. The shop is open to visitors; please call to arrange a time.
Join the Mailing List
Send email to kevin@sunbrothers.com to join the mailing list and I will send you email invitations to my shows. If you'd also like to receive printed invitations, please include your mailing address (I take great pride in these invitations, so I do encourage you to sign up for them; I promise you will not be dissapointed). I WILL NOT sell or share your contact information.
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