Firebird (outdoors in the Hamptons)
Amelia1969 Pontiac Firebird engine, steel, aluminum, object parts, automotive paints, bird wings, parts and feathers, 168 x 132 x 122 inches.
A collaboration with artist Jonathan Schipper.
An installation view during exhibition at Pierogi, NY (below).
Firebird
1969 Pontiac Firebird engine, steel, aluminum, object parts, automotive paints, bird wings, parts and feathers, electric lighting elements and wall size graphite, watercolor and acrylic drawing on rag paper,
sculpture 168 x 132 x 122 inches, drawing 115 x 155 inches.
Here, a steel armature spreads like the branches of a tree, up and up, topped with a clan of ravens struggling and flapping their wings, working to seemingly pull the heavy, attached engine off of the ground. This piece actually runs on gasoline and has an attached exhaust system which runs to and out of a window, ending in an acutal muscle car tailpipe. Conceptually, it speaks to humankind's increasingly awkward struggle with our natural world, sometimes beautiful, often times very sad, sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse. Those fortunate enough to obtain a precious tail feather of the firebird, revel in its beauty and incendiary power, but are then compelled to search endlessly, never satiated, for the entire magical plumage of the illusive fowl.
Working Sketch For Firebird
graphite, watercolor and acrylic on rag paper, 115 x 155 inches.
This drawing is shown behind the Firebird sculpture in the installation view image above.
Working Sketch For Firebird (in progress at my studio)
Firebird (detail)