This piece shows a popular Haitian bird, the Egret, grasping a flat-head screw driver, with ribbons entangled around it that say, "Rebuild Haiti". As I began researching Haiti, I immediately became interested in native species. I chose the Egret because I believe it is an animal that people associate as an island creature, and I also just find them very beautiful. I always enjoy anthropomorphic drawings, and I liked the idea of all the Haitian critters pitching in to help, like a modern version of that scene in Cinderella, when all the mice sew her a dress. The Egret stands among smoke and clouds, but behind it there is warmth and sun, I chose this imagery to create a "phoenix rising from the ashes" sort of allegory.

About the Artist:

Alison Wheeler is a tattoo artist and owner of Siren Song Tattoo, in Rockland, Maine. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005, with a concentration in Painting and Printmaking. Her medium of choice is acrylics, but also enjoys crafty projects. When she is not working, she is generally making art, volunteering, adventuring in Maine, or just spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Printing for this piece was donated by Reed Humphrey of Octoprint, in Richmond, Virginia.