Hope

The trapped bird dreams of freedom. After eons chained to a gilded mirror, trained to obey the expectations of her kindly but oblivious masters, the shimmering white phoenix finally breaks her chain. She smiles as she lifts her wings skyward, in control her own fate at last. The white phoenix represents all of us who break from our public images to become our true selves. It represents children who assert their independence, and artists who follow their own creative muses instead of conforming to popular trends.

As a textile sculptor, I enjoy molding fabric into 3-D birds, then layering more fabric for texture, and adding trims and other embellishments to create character.

Gradually the bird’s personality emerges. But it’s not something I plan. It's almost as if the bird is telling me who it is, and I am merely a willing conduit. The result is as much a surprise to me as it is to the viewer.