For First Nations People the Thunderbird is a powerful creature  with supernatural powers.  Thunderbirds appear in varying roles and are described differently throughout First Nations peoples across North, Central & South America.  In spite of the many differences between Thunderbird legends there are a few commonalities, such as its’ shamanistic importance (sacredness), massive physical size and its’ association with thunder storms via: lightning rain and thunder. 

The Thunderbirds I make resemble fossils and have thus become an exploration into our society’s attitude towards waste and consumption.  I think about how our society has entered into an era where we are now capable of moving entire mountains and gouging deep into the Earth for resources.  It makes me wonder; if Thunderbird fossils were discovered, would they become a part of some distant ruble field or processed for crude oil?  These technological fossils are an exploration into culture and heritage, but they have also become a omen to the sacredness of the land as a burial ground for powerful creatures.