The phoenix is a sacred firebird that originated in the ancient Phoenician, Egyptian and Greek Mythologies. It symbolises life, death and resurrection as well as fire, light and the sun. Upon reaching old age a Phoenix would build a nest of myrrh twigs before igniting itself. A baby Phoenix would then rise from the ashes, born anew.
I wanted to illustrate the seamless connection between bird and fire. The challenge was to capture an expression of power and intensity, but not create an aggressive or horrific atmosphere as a result.
Small songbirds such as Robins, Larks, Thrushes and Cardinals inspired my design of Phoenix. This is somewhat unusual, because many times artists have depicted a Phoenix as some kind of large Eagle or Peacock. But I wanted mine to appear small and precious, yet dramatic and feisty. I wonder what kind of song a Phoenix would have?
