The Magnificent Monuments of Watts Towers
As I landed in Los Angeles, I picked up the transmissions of a fascinating structure, the Watts Towers. Constructed by Simon Rodia, a tile mason, and inspired by his connection with nature and Catholic faith, the 17 interconnected steel towers soar up to 100 feet high. Using found objects such as seashells, glass bottles, and broken tiles, Rodia created intricate mosaics and patterns that glint in the California sun. The history of the towers is rife with controversy and has been the subject of countless preservation efforts. But the beauty and mystery of these structures still stand through time. This visit reaffirmed my curiosity about how humans use art and creation as a means of expression.