BREAKING: Artist Christopher Owens, known as “StarMan,” has just unveiled a striking 35-foot-long sculpture, named Gracie the Water Dragon, in Sunset Pond, Essex, Connecticut. This whimsical installation, assembled under the cover of darkness, aims to bring joy and unity to the community.
Owens, a Chester resident, shared the details of his creative process: “In a lifejacket, I assembled it with a headlight and swam it out. I let it pop up into place and put some finishing touches.” The sculpture was completed in just three to four hours, featuring four sections made of foam and aluminum, strategically counterweighted to stay afloat.
This unique project stems from Owens’ desire to infuse wonder into everyday life. Reflecting on his labor, he remarked, “At some point, I thought, ‘I’m sweaty and tired.’ Then I looked up and saw the sky full of stars, and I thought, ‘This is exactly where I want to be.’”
Sunset Pond, a man-made body of water constructed in the 1930s for ice skating, is owned by the Griswold Inn and leased by the town of Essex. Owner Geoffrey Paul expressed his enthusiasm for the sculpture, stating, “Public art complements the original purpose of the pond to bring people joy.”
For the past five years, Owens has created various public art pieces, including a series of dog sculptures displayed in Chester. His latest creation was inspired by his childhood favorite, “Pete’s Dragon.” After some initial hesitance from his local community, Owens found a welcoming home for Gracie in Essex. “It’s a place for people to see it. I made something real, and I want people to look at it like a six-year-old,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of wonder in children’s lives.
Responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with local children expressing awe at the dragon. “It’s quite the response, the viral wonder reaction I hoped for,” Owens stated.
Fellow Chester artist Janet Cummings praised Owens’ resilience in relocating the sculpture, highlighting the importance of creativity: “Why can’t we just relax and enjoy each other’s creativity?” Cummings noted that Owens’ flexibility as an artist is crucial, as responses to public art can vary greatly.
Owens shared a heartwarming encounter with a local child who exclaimed, “Yeah, I caught a dragon!” The community has rallied around Gracie, with families flocking to Sunset Pond to take photos and enjoy the spectacle. “There’s something very contagious about what he does,” said Jim Clark, a local business owner and friend of Owens.
Paul has indicated support for future installations in Sunset Pond, aiming to keep Gracie on display through the fall. He described her presence as a “whimsical statement” welcoming visitors to Essex.
As the excitement continues to grow, Gracie the Water Dragon has already made a significant impact, proving that art can indeed spark joy and wonder in communities. Residents are encouraged to visit Sunset Pond to see this extraordinary sculpture for themselves and experience the magic it brings.
Stay tuned for more updates on public art initiatives in Essex and the continuing journey of Christopher Owens’ captivating creations.
