The Canopy of Dragonflies was a group of large-scale dragonfly puppets designed and built in 2014. This art piece was funded with support from Esthetic Evolution, Sensory Illumination, Konnexion Music Festival, and Trademark Sign Company. Once again, this project couldn't have happened without tremendous support from many contributors. First and foremost, I worked closely with James Sharp throughout the entire process. Special thanks also go to Michelle Gaeigle-Mexicana, Chris Owen, Celeste and Jesse Bolin, Lydia Sakolsky-Basquill, Julie Bean, Justin Belcher, Eric Anderson, Chris Callor, Cari Cardoni, Cheyenne Jones, Redd Foxit, Sam Zink, and many more.
This project started out with simple sketches back in January of 2014.
I developed a SketchUp model for the basic dragonfly.
Then I figured out how to create the larger versions of the puppet. The "queen" dragonfly was a three-person puppet with a 17' wingspan.
I wanted all of the dragonflies to be internally lit with color-changing LED lights. I also wanted to be battery powered, and have the ability to control them wirelessly. I created several artist-renderings to help convey the concept.
I did some design-work to give the Canopy of Dragonflies a visual identity I could later use for stickers or necklaces.
The wings were made from clear twin-walled polycarbonate. It was laminated with a layer of iridescent cellophane, and a digital print with the vein pattern.
Photo courtesy of the amazing Riley Burnett
Photo courtesy of the amazing Riley Burnett
Amazing photo by Foro Moto, taken at the final Esthetic Evolution festival in Idaho. See more at http://www.fotomotophotography.com/
Photo credit: Riley Burnett at the Konnexion music festival
Here's a quick collection of video taken of the Canopy of Dragonflies throughout the year.
Ben Gebo grabbed this photo at Burning Man
These shots were taken at Element Eleven, in Utah.
This photo was taken on the 4th of July at the municipal firework display down at Anne Morrison Park, in Boise, Idaho.
