© Joan Waters 2016, all rights reserved

This embellished egg was part of the Arc Degree 360 project sponsored by the David Wright House to benefit Artlink Phoenix. The ‪#‎ArcDegree360‬ eggs will be part of an art show and silent auction at the Artlink Phoenix Art d’Core Gala in Hance Park on March 10, 2016.(The list of names of the participating artists hasn’t been released yet.)

The mythical Phoenix is unique among birds. Born not from an egg, it instead rises from the ashes of fire and destruction to come into this world. Fiery, colorful and creative, this image of new life springing forth against the odds of the harsh desert environment has fueled the collective imagination of our young city that bears the same name.

As the community matures and grows deeper roots to sustain future growth, however, it undergoes a huge transformation. The firebird can no longer sustain itself on fire, rage and destruction, and it experiences a seismic shift of consciousness in order to survive and flourish.

Primero Ovo (First Egg) represents this massive transfiguration for the Phoenix. This will be the first time the Phoenix uses the egg as the vehicle to regenerate.

The nest, which supports and protects the egg, is patiently constructed of smaller twigs and branches. These are the elements—the cultural traditions, social institutions and community groups—which create the vision and support the future growth of our magnificent Phoenix.