Download Our Stars - City of Laguna Beach

“Our Stars”
Marsh Scott
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949.494.8672
389 Jasmine St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.MarshScott.com [email protected]
Officer Coutchie and Officer French, who lost their lives, as well as all of our public safety officers are
the stars and heroes of our community. This Memorial installation uses the five pointed star of our
American flag in a 3-dimensional form to hold a multiplicity of symbolism in words, images and color
so that it embodies, honors and remembers.
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Approaching the Memorial site, on the left, is a stainless steel column, rising upward in the shape of a
star. The top is sloped from back to front so that the blue star top is visible. There are ten sides, in
pairs, including two that have a waving American flag. The remainder of the sides contain curved
pieces of stainless steel running from the top to the base. These shapes represent the water and hills
that surround our city. Each of these is pierced through with words that describe and represent the
fallen officers and the timeless qualities of our entire force of public safety officers. The words are
separated by additional stars. Each side is unique and invites discovery as you walk around the
Memorial. Each word is a cause for reflection and celebration. On the right side of each pair of rays is
a vertical band of blue glass mosaic. The individually hand-cut blue pieces of glass represent the
police force. Towards the base, black mosaics are included to represent duty and sacrifice.
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The surface of the memorial will be softly brushed stainless steel that invites touching. The blue and
black mosaic will be cut from varied shaped and colored pieces and will echo the curves of
the word-containing strips. !
The pedestal will be a simple concrete cylinder. !
Lighting will be three to five low voltage lights that will softly illuminate the sculpture from below and
augment the security lighting from above.
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The two horizontal benches have angles which echo the star. Their simple forms in concrete are as if
fallen like the two officers. One is placed behind the Memorial for quiet contemplation and
remembrance and the other is placed near the sidewalk.
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A pedestal rising forty-five inches high in the right corner is another element of the installation. This also
echoes the star's angles. The bronze plaques for the two officers will be attached to the front of this
form. The top surface provides a place for remembrances. When empty, the blank surface has a
poignancy of its own. The pedestal is designed to hold additional plaques. The plaques will
be personalized and commemorate the fallen officers with their likenesses and badges as well as an
inscription. For officer Coutchie his motorcycle will be pictured.
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The ground of the Memorial will be permeable decomposed granite except for the landscaped area
which will be done with conservation in mind; plants such as succulents that have lower water
requirement in a bed of mulch. The shape of the planting bed is curved to soften the angularity of
the site.
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I would be honored to be given the privilege to complete this Memorial Installation.