Jocelyn Russell

Holy Matrimony

Black-billed Magpie

Bronze

28 x 12 x 10 inches

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The Black-billed magpie was an iconic part of my childhood as I grew up in the rural country of Colorado. Known for their raucous calls and bold personality, they have also been touted as having high intelligence. They are extremely communicative and I have often witnessed many exchanges between a mated pair, although in my youth, it was difficult to determine the basis of their conversations. The primary focus for this piece was to depict their graceful forms and incorporate an antler as a perch. During the sculpting, I opted to have one magpie in audible engagement while the other just listened. A matrimonial dialogue, which as we all know, can be primarily one-sided.