SPIRIT By Bonnie Walker
Passengers arriving at PTI Airport will be greeted by SPIRIT, a striking near life-size eagle sculpture created entirely from salvaged scrap metal. Displayed on the arrivals level outside the terminal, this piece captures attention not just for its scale, but for the remarkable details that emerge the closer you look.
The eagle soars with wings extended, its body crafted from everyday metal objects reimagined with purpose and care: washer and dryer siding, satellite dishes, trampoline tubing, old bolts, bed springs, and more. At the center of the design, the eagle carries a star in flight, a symbol the artist describes as embodying peace, hope, and connection.
About the Artist
A proud North Carolina native, the artist grew up outside Greensboro in Climax and now lives in Saxapahaw, where a converted shipping container serves as their workshop. From this repurposed space, piles of rusted metal become the raw material for art. Each sculpture is cut, welded, and shaped entirely freehand, ensuring no two pieces are ever the same.
A passionate recycler, the artist embraces imperfections such as dents, rust, and scratches, leaving them visible to highlight the history and resilience of the materials. What others discard, they transform into something enduring and alive.
Meaning Behind SPIRIT
More than just an eagle, SPIRIT represents endurance, strength, and the grand hope of flight. It is a reminder of freedom and the bond between earth and spirit. With its wings outstretched and a star held close, the sculpture greets passersby with a message of peace, love, and care for one another and our planet.
As you step outside the terminal, take a moment to look up at SPIRIT. From a distance it is majestic. Up close, you will see the surprising details of a shovel head, a weight bar, or a wheel bearing, all fused together into something entirely new.
