Phoenix and the Egg of Myrrh

1997 - 28.75" x 21.5" - Watercolor, Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

Some ancient accounts of the phoenix bird said that the new bird encased the ashes of its predecessor in an egg of myrrh, and then flew with it to Heliopolis in Egypt. Some accounts said that the funereal nest was built in a persea tree, and woven with fragrant herbs. The fantastic bird was described as possessing colors of red, violet, and gold. I liked the idea of little flame-shaped “eyes” in its feathers.

Shown in the Celebration of the Arts show at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Naperville, IL