Pinnacles Condors
The California condor has the longest wingspan of any North American bird, roughly nine and a half feet from tip to tip. By 1987 the wild population was 22, and every remaining bird was taken into captivity for emergency breeding. Pinnacles received its first reintroduction birds in 2003 and now manages one of the largest free-flying flocks in the wild. On a clear afternoon they ride the thermals above Machete Ridge and the High Peaks, or roost on the rock walls below the ridgeline. Each bird wears a numbered patagial wing tag, readable at distance. The work continues; lead from ammunition in carrion is still the main threat to the flock.
Slowly infused into the ceramic surface under high heat and pressure, in our family studio in Knoxville, Tennessee.