Peekskill Dragonfly by Mark Andreas. Materials: Stainless steel & cedar, both materials are commonly used for boat building because of their strength, durability, and resilience to extreme weather conditions.
Andreas built Peekskill Dragonfly to react to the natural forces in the environment surrounding it. Between spring and fall, the artist fills a basin in the sculpture with water every several weeks. When the water is added, the sculpture becomes a dynamic cantilever as the sculpture’s wings rise. The sculpture then is attuned to the environment and is impacted even by the slightest breeze, reminiscent of sailing ships operating on the Hudson. Over a period of time, the water is pumped out through the force of “capillary action”. As the water is released by this force of nature, the wings start to fold down. After the wings are completely folded, the cycle will repeat when the basin is refilled with water.
During the winter months, the water is drained and the sculpture stays dormant to protect itself from the cold, freezing temperatures, and blistery winter winds.