Summit Variations

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Fitch Mountain 2024

Johanna Grawunder 

Summit Variations consists of five functional sculptures sited around the top of the summit trail. Each sculpture is designed for a different experience to give users choices. The names describe each “suggested” experience: Lookout, Skyview, Mountainview, Love, and Picnic.

Nature

Nature was consulted in this design. In a process of positive design-by-committee, the trees, ferns, bushes, birds, animals, that is -the “flora and fauna” of the mountain-all had a say in the project. 

On a bright day, there is an occasional effect of bioluminescence that comes from dappled light on ferns. The tableaux effect is a stunning contrast of blackened shards of fertile wood, aging grey faded trees blending into the backdrop, dark and light green bushes and the aforementioned sun-dappled ferns that look absolutely luminous. It is a masterful (existing) color palette.

Tradition

There is a strong  tradition of functional sculpture in natural parks. From the earliest large logs rolled over onto stones, the beauty of a wilderness park bench is its incongruity (a bench up here?), its appreciated functionality and its unavoidable tendency to become one with nature, eventually.  Wood planks fade to grey and the edges round-off over time. This natural ageing and settling in is a poetic process that should be embraced.

Culture

The cultural significance of the Pomo Nation and other indigenous influences in Sonoma County and specifically on Fitch Mountain is important. Past, present and future- Fitch Mountain is not an island, it is an interwoven part of the indigenous community. The patterns shown on the sculptures are inspired by Pomo Nation basket works with the hope of celebrating and acknowledging this cultural patrimony. The small pieces that form the patterns serve as extra structural strength between the slats. In other words, these patterns are not just decorative but are the heart and soul of the sculptures. 

Ownership

Who owns a mountain? Squatters rights really. That means, the people, animals and nature that use the mountain feel ownership. And that is why Fitch Mountain is beloved and enjoyed by the community: the easy access, unpretentious vibe, orienting views, the well-cared for trails and the lush layers of natural history which include trees, fallen trees, moss, ferns, creatures, and light and shadow. 

These functional sculptures on the summit of Fitch Mountain are not precious artifacts. They are built sturdy, in materials of the place, with a color palette of the place, and provide a gift to anyone who wants to rest, meditate, nap, picnic, chat, gaze, study, or otherwise just be in the place.  

Place

As the sculptures quickly fade to pale grey and become visually one with the landscape, the woven -in patterns, indigenous cultural interpretive references, will become more visible. As the new pieces get lighter, the cultural significance becomes stronger.

The pieces are level but situated into the irregular landscape. Close to the trail but not always on it exactly. Not occupying the center of the peak, (that is for the trees and their roots), but instead the sculptures occupy the perimeter- in a protective embrace.