Towering over 33 feet tall, Release is a breathtaking sculpture of a female figure emerging from a chrysalis. With arms gently outstretched and butterflies floating from her hands, she appears paused in a moment of letting go—a gesture of liberation and transformation.
The Materials
Crafted from mild steel, recycled brass bits and pieces, clock and lamp parts, and delicate china teacups, saucers, and plates, Release is a fusion of strength and fragility. Every material was chosen with intention—each piece carrying its own history, brought together into something entirely new.
The Creative Process
Release was a labor of love. Dana and her incredible crew poured their hearts into this sculpture—from welding the steel framework to hand-placing broken pieces of china into a mosaic chrysalis. They used 3D modeling to ensure the structure’s integrity while honoring Dana’s vision of emergence through negative space.
Lighting played a key role as well. For its debut at Burning Man 2024, Release was perfectly aligned with both sunrise and sunset, allowing the sun to illuminate her interior with breathtaking natural light.
By night, spotlights and programmable LEDs animated the piece—soft transitions and sudden bursts of light mimicked the flutter of butterfly wings in flight.
The Vision That Inspired Release
The inspiration for Release comes from the universal theme of metamorphosis. Dana was drawn to the Greek word psyche, which means both “soul” and “butterfly.” That dual meaning became the emotional and symbolic anchor for the sculpture.
The chrysalis—made from broken but beautiful objects—echoes the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi, where imperfections are honored rather than hidden.
The absence of a face is intentional: it invites viewers to see themselves in the sculpture, to reflect on their own restraints, and to imagine what release and transformation might look like in their own lives.
Where She’s Headed Next
Release returned to San Francisco in March 2025 and is ready for her permanent home. We’re currently in conversation with potential buyers interested in installing the sculpture where it can be enjoyed by the public—whether in a museum, a public garden, along a promenade, or on private property like a winery.
If you’re interested in learning more or exploring the possibility of acquiring Release, please get in touch here.
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