The Fire/Water Eagle for Rhode Island

The installed 30’ eagle

Our installation for the Rhode Island Fire Academy in Exeter, RI is complete and the Eagle has taken flight. For the public art grant application, Natalie and Cynthia sketched the concept of a 30-foot wide eagle with one wing composed of “fire feathers” and the other of “water feathers.”  The power of the wind lifts the eagle's wings, and the talons are glazed with bronze to represent their contact with the earth -- the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water play a huge role in the firefighter's skilled approach to controlling a blaze, and all four elements are honored in the composition of this eagle. 

Images from the firefighting community, showing moments of connection, inspiration, and bravery, are interspersed through the feathers, telling a story from wing to wing.

The sketch was transformed into clay shape tiles and carved piece by piece.   Once each tile was completed, it went through several rounds of glazing before being backed and installed in the new Academy building as one magnificent creature.

These images give a glimpse into the production process.  From beginning to end, with several rest periods in between, the project lasted over ten months. 

We are thrilled to be a part of the artistic team celebrating and honoring the work of fire and rescue communities everywhere.  Thank you to the Rhode Island State Council On the Arts for this incredible opportunity!

The original sketch