In Solar Sails, Russell explores how nautical sails move objects across the surface of water and space.  While much of the artist’s work explores the world here and now, Solar Sail explores worlds beyond our immediate reach.

How does light refract and how does it reflect in surfaces?  What are the instantaneous changes in color as the source of light moves? How are advancements in science and technology making it possible for solar sails to move in space simply by reflecting light from the sun?

Mylar, the material used to make solar sails is virtually weightless and is capable of subtle movement when activated by the sun in the vast and unrelenting emptiness of space.  As a nautical sail affects its course by changing the sail’s angle relative to the wind, a solar sail affects its direction by changing the sail’s angle relative to the Sun – thus riding the light – a concept of influence.