'Phoenix (Rising)' sculpture

There are challenges and opportunities throughout one’s life.  Let us rise to them...

I was commissioned by a thoughtful parent to create a desktop sculpture for her 12-year-old son whose beloved pet had recently died.  
 
The sentiment I wished to convey via this sculpture is that we can and do emerge anew as we continue on life’s journey.  Death, transformation, and rebirth are a natural and normal part of life.   

This sculpture is not intended for him only as a young person — I hope 'Phoenix (Rising)' holds a message which proves valuable to him from this day forward.   

I began this project by making sketches which evoked the emotional tenor I wanted to convey.  From a sketch, I made a clay form to determine the elements’ shapes and sizes.  With a clay model at hand, I was now ready to fire up the forge and light my oxy-fuel torch...  
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'Phoenix (Rising)' was created from mild steel using forged and tack-and-bend techniques and measures 5.5” tall x 4.75” wide x 2.5” deep.