PRESERVED & PLACED
coil-built earthenware, oil paints, encaustic with press molds of dragonflies
This sculptural vessel features press molds of three different dragonflies, one found on a sidewalk in midtown Manhattan, New York City, on a recent trip with grands. Dragonflies are distinguished by having 4 wings, each of which can be manipulated separately from the others, allowing this odonatan to accelerate quickly, fly forward, backward, turn/bank instantly, and hover in place. A successful hunter, its neck muscles and strong jaw inspired the popular name “dragonfly.” Some years ago, when hiking in the Red Hill rock quarry by the Arkansas River in early spring, a bluebottle dragonfly landed on the shoulder of my blue jacket. I sat still in the sun until it awakened and flew away.