Yahara

Nestled atop her bed of river rocks, this mother dragon is a tribute to the power and beauty of nature.

DRAGONS OF DEFOREST

Hand-painted with acrylic paints in vibrant blues and greens, she embodies the maternal qualities of protection and nurturing.

Yahara is an abstract interpretation of the Yahara River and watershed that flows through south central Wisconsin.

Inspired by aerial photographs and personal photos I took with my son during a summer visit to the river, the dragon's nest and riverbed are crafted from joint compound, foamboard insulation, and natural materials, such as sand, pebbles, and sea glass.

Through Yahara, I hope to inspire viewers to appreciate the beauty, power, and impact of water in shaping our world - locally and globally. As Yahara protects her eggs, she serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural resources for future generations.

CREATIVE PROCESS

Gathering inspiration at the Yahara River Trail
Gathering inspiration at the Yahara River Trail
Gathering inspiration at the Yahara River Trail
Gathering inspiration at the Yahara River Trail
Initial concept rendering in watercolor
Initial concept rendering in watercolor
Five feet of fiberglass dragon statue, primed and ready to paint!
Our cat, Pete, fell in love with the dragon right away
My husband, Jason, laying building compound for the base texture
Base texture of pebbles, shells, sand, and sea glass
Jason cutting foam board insulation
Positioning foam board insulation to create lightweight river rocks
Foam block insulation and natural materials create the texture of the base
Paper maché eggs in a nest of foam board insulation and building compound
Measuring all the circles to make up Yahara’s eyes
Sketching the Yahara river and watershed
Mapping out the Yahara River
Pete's favorite spot in the studio, snuggled up against his dragon friend
First layer or green paint applied with a makeup brush
First layer or green paint applied with a makeup brush
First layer or green paint applied with a makeup brush
First layer of blue glaze
First layer of blue glaze
My son, Oliver, helping to paint the waves on the base
Gold eggs and adding details to the eyes
Protecting the eyes from gold paint while adding golden speckles
First layer of gold for the lakes and rivers
Adding blue depth and texture to the lakes
Gold specked wings
Subtle blue and green textures
Gold details in her eyes and the riverways
Inspired by the Yahara River and Watershed in south central Wisconsin
Yahara’s nest
Dry brushed river rocks
Yahara finished and photographed before being picked up to receive her final weatherproofing
Oliver approved!