Yesterday I featured Kate MccGwire’s feather sculptures, so it seems appropriate to feature some of my own feathery works.

Crane Dance by Linda OefflingCrane Dance, Linda Oeffling
Custom wrought iron stand by Will Slagel of Metal Meanders

Sandhill cranes were a rare sight around this area several years ago.  There must be new habitat or different migration or something, because now we regularly see and hear them. According to the International Crane Foundation, they are in fact the most numerous of the world’s cranes.

“While calling, cranes stand in an upright posture, usually with their heads thrown back and beaks skyward during the display. . . . All cranes engage in dancing, which includes various behaviors such as bowing, jumping, running, stick or grass tossing, as well as wing flapping. Though it is commonly associated with courtship, dancing can occur at any age and season.” – from the International Crane Foundation website

Japanese Crane by Linda OefflingJapanese Crane by Linda Oeffling

Like MccGwire, I am fascinated with bird lore and the mythology associated with birds. Greek and Roman myth tells us that the dance of cranes is a dance for the love of joy, and a celebration of life.  The Japanese refer to the crane as the bird of happiness.

These fused pieces are so fun to watch throughout the day.  They change as the light changes, which makes the art piece something new at any given time of day.

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