Regarding the community announcement, “10 artists reimagine public art in Santa Barbara, August 21“.
I’m not sure what statement the pillar with 2 red lights and a bunch of thorns tries to make about the service of SBFD firefighters. As a retired SBFD firefighter I cannot relate to this pillar, lights and thorns, certainly not as a reflection of my service to the community. If there must be an art installation like this, please take the design around to the eight SBFD stations for review before starting construction.
Better yet, make no art at all. I expect the overwhelming response of active and retired members would echo my response: make no monuments to us, as we are “Just Doing Our Job.”
Bill Smart
Retired City of Santa Barbara firefighter
Santa Barbara
