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maskedmayhem — The Piasa Bird-Redux 1
Published: 2009-01-18 19:04:44 +0000 UTC; Views: 2347; Favourites: 20; Downloads: 23
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Description
I've been meaning to post some better shots of this bird and finally got around to it!Approx. 2.25' tall and 40lbs of beast.
Photo by N. Harms
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Comments: 12
I run a pro soccer team, The Illinois Piasa, and I want this!!! Contact me please!
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Hello, you can email me at kendall@grimstonestudios.com or via www.facebook.com/kendallrhart. I look forward to hearing from you. And thanks for your interest.
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I think I may sculpt a better version in 2013! And thanks!
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I used to live near Alton, they told the story of the Bird and how it was defeated:
Many moons ago, there existed a birdlike creature of such great size, he could easily carry off a full grown deer in his talons. His taste, however, was for human flesh. Hundreds of warriors attempted to destroy the Piasa, but failed. Whole villages were destroyed and fear spread throughout the Illini tribe. Ouatoga, a chief whose fame extended even beyond the Great Lakes, separated himself from his tribe, fasted in solitude for the space of a whole moon, and prayed to the Great Spirit to protect his people from the Piasa.
On the last night of his fast, the Great Spirit appeared to Ouatoga in a dream and directed him to select 20 warriors, arm them each with a bow and poisoned arrow, and conceal them in a designated spot. Another warrior was to stand in an open view, as a victim for the Piasa.
When the chief awoke in the morning, he told the tribe of his dream. The warriors were quickly selected and placed in ambush. Ouatoga offered himself as the victim. Placing himself in open view, he soon saw the Piasa perched on the bluff eyeing his prey. Ouatoga began to chant the death song of a warrior. The Piasa took to the air and swooped down upon the chief. The Piasa had just reached his victim when every bow was sprung and every arrow sent sailing into the body of the beast. The Piasa uttered a fearful scream that echoed down the river, and died. Ouatoga was safe, and the tribe saved.
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One of my upcoming goals is to sculpt a life-size Piasa Bird! I'd love to install it over the cliffs near the Riverbend area. Thanks for your post of the legend, I never tire of its telling.
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Thanks.
You know, they still say that when a person goes missing along the river bluffs you shouldn't bother looking for them...because the Piasa's descendants have already made a meal of them.
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This is a phenomenal sculpture. It really does deserve much more attention than it's gotten as of yet.
Those skulls that make up the base are wonderful.
Good luck with Spectrum!
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Thanks for your kind words and the look at my art. I'm hoping the Mighty Piasa has his day yet! I did figure why place a few skulls when you can place a few hundred?
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This shot really shows off the piece!
Really like the colors etc...
Beautiful work!
Take care
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Thanks so much as always. I was crunched for time with the first pic I posted and felt it did no justice to the Mighty Thunderbird! There was more to see about his pose and the details. Stay warm and take care.
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You bet!
Yeah, these shots definitely do it justice!
Will try to stay warm...brrrr.
Take care man!
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