The making of The Texas City Phoenix

The Texas City Phoenix

This idea popped into my head one day.

I was thinking about a project I had made for my sister a few years and loved the idea of a cut out bird with something interesting behind it ( in this case, feathers).

Near the same time I had been reading about Texas City history. I saw this image in a book and knew the story well. In 1947, the cargo of the Grandcamp overheated and burst into flames. In an attempt to suffocate the fire, the workers closed the doors to the hold, which actually built up so much pressure it essentially turned it into a bomb. The ship exploded and killed hundreds of people. The blast could be felt miles away. It is considered the greatest industrial disaster in US history. (to learn more about it, watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgn-6DpUW6k)

As few days later I attended a meeting at the public library at which the mayor spoke and talked about the phoenix – the symbol of Texas City. She rose from the ashes of that fatal disaster and rebuilt into a thriving town. I thought of the phoenix statue near the community center and I instantly knew what I wanted to do.

I traced the phoenix statue onto some wood I had practiced a technique called shou sugi ban.

And then I cut it out with my scroll saw (quite a task, if I’m being honest).

I had another piece I was working on, so I put it behind to see how it would look. I loved it.

Then I got started on the background image. I cut some wood to size, then followed the picture from my book.

I also added some red and yellow to the phoenix to symbolize the flames.

I wanted to make a floating frame for it, but cut the pieces a little to short, so it’s more of a shadow box.

I added flames to the boat, then smoke.

And even more smoke.

After adding a coat of polyurethane to protect it, it was done!

I am very happy with how it turned out, even though I don’t consider myself must of a painter. The subject matter is clear and meaningful to any who live in Texas City and know the story.

Want to see what I’m working on right now? Check out my Instagram!