The Blue Dragon flew to Oregon for the Winter!

Jane Meagher

“Blue Dragon”

2010

Recycled cotton T-shirts, newspaper, wire, silk

$800

96”  X  56” X 68” tall

Blue Dragon went to a new home this Winter: the West Linn Library in Oregon to be part of a science fiction show. It was displayed at the library during the month of February..

Blue Dragon is made from old tie dyed T-shirts. As a teaching artist, I do many tie dye projects in schools. As part of this, I do a demonstration for the students of each class. I do not necessarily use a new T-shirt; when I do this project the students are given the option of bringing old T-shirts. Almost everyone has old T-shirts and we make many tie-dyed shirts. Really, the only thing you can do with the gaudy excess is make a dragon!

Blue Dragon has an armature of purchased and recycled wire. Its body is fleshed out with newspaper with an outer layer of cut apart T-shirts dipped in white glue. Some acrylic paint was needed to achieve smooth blending and hide logos. The eyes are made from two drops of glass that fall to the floor of a glassblowing hotshop. These drops have been tempered in a kiln. The teeth are the small used “cones” that determine the temperature of a ceramic kiln. The wings are tie dyed silk sarongs.

This piece should be displayed hanging from two points. It can be hung from one point if it can be far enough overhead to allow it to rotate without contacting viewers. It weighs about 15 pounds.