"On Wings Ascending" grew out of the events of 9/11.

Like the Phoenix, gold and red in color, two bronze eagles rise reborn from mythical stainless steel flames.

The flames are six in number and represent four planes and the World Trade Center. At their base, the flames have a straight edge aspect, symbolic of the geometry of man-made things -- buildings, planes, weapons of war, plows of peace. Visually, the flames resemble forms relating to people (the human figure), plants and trees, extending the symbols of life and death, growth and destruction.

The black Belgian marble base allows the reflection of the stainless steel flames and the eagles to descend into the ground.

Two eagles symbolize continuity and continuing existence: eternity (day) and unending time (night). The eagles rise appearing like a formation of two airplanes intent on a mission.

A symbol of unity and loyalty, eagles mate for life. In some cultures, including our own, eagles are visionaries symbolically representing the nobility of the human spirit. Eagles are known for their keen-sighted vision from high above the earth.

"On Wings Ascending" describes the eternal life on earth in symbolic terms. It raises the question of regeneration. Will we, like the Phoenix, rise from the ashes to confront problems we must face, or will we be consumed in the flames, unable to accept challenges that lay before us?