Sculptor & Photographer

The natural landscape of Greenwich Point is inspiring to many of its visitors. But every once in a while, the rocky scape along the shoreline is transformed into a sculpture garden of  meticulously balanced rocks. Where do these mysterious  constructions come from? They are the inspired work of Old Greenwich resident and designer Joel Dawson, who, after more than two decades as a creative director to some of the best known names in the beauty industry, is returning to his roots as an artist.

Sculpting with stones found at Greenwich Point began as a fun, creative way for Dawson to spend time with his two children when they were very young. In the past couple of years, Dawson has taken stone sculpting to another level. In the early morning before sunrise or in the late afternoon when the light is at its best, he heads to the beach. Guided by the sun, the weather, the wind, and the tides, and inspired by the rock shapes, Dawson begins to construct – balancing one rock atop another. “There’s no glue, no rods, no pebbles… just balance,”  Dawson explains.  “It is about what you find and what you want to make of it.  The magic is when you let the rock go, and it just stays…” he says on his Web site, www.greenwichpointrocks.com.

Visitors to the Point have embraced Dawson’s work. For many, a walk along the shoreline becomes a cultural event. Wind and waves take away this magical natural gallery; the photographs help the images live on.   Framed photographs of the rock sculptures have been featured at gallery shows, bought for homes and business.  The archival quality prints, in black and white or color, reflect Dawson’s artistic eye for composition.  He notes, “As my sculpting technique has evolved, so have my photographs.  I’ve always gravitated toward clean, simple expression; these photographs rely solely upon nature for their beauty.”