Cortona Development
The Cortona Tract development is situated on the western edge of Camarillo in the Springville area of the City. The Cortona Tract is a 23-acre development and will include 158 single-family homes, additional amenities and the relocated historic farmhouse.
The Springville area was a way station or crossroads for the agricultural community, rather than open farmland. Animals, equipment and produce were transported to this location on their way to and from the wharf at Port Hueneme. Prior to the arrival of homesteaders, the natural springs (for which the area of the city was named) were a stopping point for the Chumash people in their seasonal passage from the mountains to the ocean.
The location for the public artwork will be the entrance to the development, where the West Ponderosa Drive meets Springville Drive. This intersection is close to the Springville intersection with the CA 101 freeway and opposite Camarillo Airport.
The location for the artwork will be accessible by foot traffic, although most people will experience the work from the busy intersection. The artwork will be in front of a retaining wall with integral bench seating and extensive planting. The above image provides an illustration of where the piece will be sited.
The inspiration for the proposed artwork is the historic farming equipment which would have been visible on the site when it was used as a way station. This work will reference the history of the area of the City while also connecting with the current usage of the site as a busy intersection of commerce and domestic travel.
Above is a picture of the type of historic farm machinery which may have been found at the Springville way station. This image illustrates the type of shapes and structures which would have been found on any farm around the Oxnard plane.
Proposed Artwork
The Artwork proposed for the site is a metal sculpture, measuring 9.9 feet long and 5 feet tall. The artwork would be elevated from the ground by a sloped concrete pad which would be textured to suggest the ridges and furrows of historic farming techniques.
The sculpture does not depict an individual piece of equipment but rather is inspired by the shapes of wheels, and seed boxes, and the marks made upon the land by the workings of historic farming machines.
Flowing out from the front of the sculpture are the forms of row planting and the casting of seeds.
About the Artist
Elisa Torres is a public artist, muralist, and cultural strategist based in Oxnard, California. Her work transforms spaces through vibrant, public artworks that celebrate community, culture, and identity. With over a decade of experience, Elisa has partnered with cities, colleges, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations to create impactful art across Ventura County.
Torres work honors farmworker histories and uplifts the voice of youth; her work is rooted in deep research, cultural consultation, and collaborative engagement. Elisa is known for leading projects from concept to completion, including community outreach, mockups, permitting, fabrication coordination, and installation.
The above rendering of the artwork depicts the option to locate the work directly onto the paving slabs of the sidewalk. This option would allow for greater public access and visibility. Another option would be to raise the work up from the ground with a textured concrete pad to ensure separation of people from the
work. Below is an image of the type of texture which could be used to complete the concrete pad and extend the visual impact of the sculpture.
The result would be to create more depth and character for the artwork, to present it within a stylized ‘field’ that accentuates the heritage motifs while also creating visual drama and dynamism. Note that the block work wall will be rendered with a smooth plaster and have a curved top to accentuate the design.
The above rendering presents the artwork upon a pad that is tilted forward to improve sightlines and visibility.
Below is a technical drawing of the sculptural work. Providing measurements for each of the component parts and the relationships between them.
Maintenace Considerations
The artwork will be fabricated from Steel with a raw finish to provide texture. The sculpture will be painted with automotive paint to provide shades of color and covered with a protective clear coat. The paint has a life-span of over 10 years and can be re-touched to repair damage caused by rocks or other road debris.
The Home Owners Association will take responsibility for the maintenance of the sculpture, with a requirement to inspect the work and initiate repairs. The selection of commercial paints will reduce the cost of repair. Note that clear coat can be sanded back to reveal the underlying paint surface allowing for more extensive repairs should those be necessary.
The Steel structure will be made from A36 Steel. This is a low-carbon steel giving it both strength and formability with low risks of cracking and excellent joining properties.