This piece was created as second in a series with the Forest Phoenix.

It was created by using "Heavy Body" Acrylic Gel. This is pretty much just acrylic paint that is colorless. It is fairly thick... a little thicker than Elmer's white glue. I built this piece up layer by layer by applying the gel with my fingers over the period of about 5-6 months. It took a very, very long time. The phoenix is 3D and sculpted to look organic and crystalline.

The crystals are all totally natural quartz crystal points that I carefully worked into the piece. The eyes are faceted natural marquise cut labradorite gemstones.

The color was built up in the layers of gel by applying very thin layers of iridescent acrylic paint and powdered pigments.

The whole thing was created as a relief sculpture on a piece of heavy masonite, then framed with a solid wood glassless frame.

I also took a short video to show how dimensional this piece is. I apologize- the video is very dark and poor quality. This piece is much more flashy and bright in person. Take a look at this video if the photos are visually confusing... the phoenix really is 3D and pops up off the painting! [link] I am more than humbled and thrilled to say that this piece won Director's Choice ribbon at a convention/art show in June 2008!