The interactive installation, titled String of Light That Connects All Things (S.O.L.T.C.A.T.), was installed in the mid-afternoon and removed at dusk, timed to the day’s tidal conditions. As waves moved in and out, beachgoers gathered near the waterline to observe the steel forms, take photographs, and speak with the artist about the work.
According to the artist, this month’s installation consisted of five steel sculptural elements corresponding to the star points of the constellation Capricorn. The arrangement translates the celestial pattern into a physical form placed directly within the coastal environment, reflecting Mueller’s ongoing exploration of the relationship between astronomy, natural cycles, and human presence.
S.O.L.T.C.A.T. is part of an ongoing series of monthly pop-up installations that imagine the California coast through the lens of light and space. Each installation references a constellation visible in that month’s night sky, drawing a parallel between celestial movement and ocean tides, and inviting viewers to consider their place within a shared environmental moment.
During daylight hours, the welded steel forms cast stark linear shadows across the sand, evoking comparisons to ancient time-marking structures. As sunset approached, the pieces became silhouetted against the sky, while wet sand created reflective surfaces that shifted with the viewer’s position. Passing sailboats, birds in flight, footprints, and the advancing tide became part of the installation’s evolving visual field.
Each installation consists of four to seven lightweight steel structures designed to be approachable and interactive without obstructing coastal views. Rather than dominating the landscape, the forms are intended to subtly reframe a familiar shoreline, emphasizing environmental change and the passage of time.
Mueller, an installation artist based in Los Angeles, incorporates welding and woodworking techniques to create large-scale, immersive works that invite physical movement and public engagement. Her practice emphasizes sustainability and frequently employs reclaimed and found materials. Her work explores themes of shared humanity, awareness, and the experience of occupying a specific place at a specific moment.
Raised in Oxnard and influenced by extensive travel and site-specific exploration, Mueller has created interactive installations across Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, and Ventura County. Her ongoing work continues to focus on the relationship between environment, perception, and interconnected systems.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public art, cultural activity, and community moments along the Westside shoreline as they unfold.
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