SUMMARY

Greg Neal is a local Coupeville metal sculptor who specializes in creating birds. “Soaring Eagle” demonstrates Greg’s fascination with the compound curve forms and the motion of birds, captured in flight with steel. The eagle is constructed from multiple layers of feathers and structure, all oriented to creating a sense of flight and majesty. David Young, neighbor and supporter of the Sculpture Forest, donated “Soaring Eagle” to the Sculpture Forest in loving memory of his wife, Pam, who sadly died from COVID-19. Pam loved the eagles that flew from this park property over her home, and she was excited to know that this forest was going to be preserved forever.  The eagle soars through this understory opening within the tall trees.

ABOUT PAM YOUNG

Pam moved to Whidbey Island in the early 1960s and lived most of her life here. She lived in the vicinity of this forest for the last 42 years of her life. She developed a love and a deep respect for nature from her earliest days. As the bald eagle made its return to our environment, Pam developed a special bond with this magnificent creature. She considered it to be her “spirit bird“. Living close to both nesting and feeding areas, the bald eagle is a frequent visitor here. Pam spent much of her time outdoors gardening and she would, without exception, stop what she was doing and look to the sky when she heard the call or the flight of the bald eagle. From the heavens above, Pam is now smiling upon this sculpture. David wanted to keep Pam’s spirit going and share that with the public.  He originally thought of commissioning a sculptor to create an eagle sculpture for inclusion in the Sculpture Forest.  Separately, sculptor Greg Neal was planning to exhibit his Soaring Eagle sculpture at the Sculpture Forest.  After installation, we invited David over to see it and he instantly knew it was meant to be.  David purchased and donated Soaring Eagle to be part of the park’s permanent collection in honor, memory, and celebration of Pam.  Pam was a big supporter of the Sculpture Forest even before it came into being since she aligned with the park’s values of habitat preservation with art.  We are honored to have Pam’s spirit walk with all of us.

ABOUT THE SCULPTURE

Soaring Eagle demonstrates Greg’s fascination with the form and motion of birds, captured in flight with steel.  The eagle is constructed from multiple layers of feathers and structure, all oriented to creating a sense of flight and majesty with this bird.

ABOUT THE SCULPTOR

Greg is a metal sculptor who lives in Coupeville on Whidbey Island.  He specializes in birds and uses his skills to represent many different species and actions within his birds.