In Ancient Greek folklore, a phoenix is a long-lived bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. Some legends say it dies in a show of flames and combustion, others that it simply dies and decomposes before being born again.[from wikipedia]

Mark Rivera is a local ceramic artist, in Davis, California. "Taking the Scenic Route" was a commissioned piece by the Yackzan Group in 2008. The 1st level is in tribute to the farmers and farming community, reflecting the lines of the fields and crops that inspired him.[from davis art walk website]