Sunlight strikes steel. Reflex Solaris shimmers. Here at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park you stand before a unique artwork.
Reflex Solaris isn’t just a sculpture. It’s an environmental artwork a human sundial. Created in 2009 by Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan it celebrates the sun’s journey. Five stainless steel reflectors radiate from a central sundial terrace.
Each reflector is precisely angled. They align with significant astronomical points. Winter solstice sunset summer solstice sunset equinox sunset true north and magnetic north. On solstices and equinoxes the setting sun hits a reflector. A beam of light then shoots back to the sundial. A nexus of place space and time is created.
Imagine the precision involved. The artists painstakingly calculated angles. They ensured the sun’s reflection would land perfectly. The artwork is a testament to their skill. It’s also a tribute to the power of nature.
The reflectors aren’t just functional. They are sculptural elements. Each has three facets. These play with light and shadow. They create a constantly changing visual experience. The views across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains are breathtaking. The sky itself becomes part of the artwork. Clouds sunlight moonlight and starlight all contribute to the spectacle.
Reflex Solaris is more than just a pretty face. It’s a subtle reminder of our place in the universe. It’s a celebration of cyclical time the sun’s unwavering path. This artwork connects us to the cosmos in a deeply personal way. So take a moment. Feel the sun’s reflection on your skin. Experience the magic of Reflex Solaris.