Westley (Wes) Olmsted (1934-2011)

The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large African bird of prey that feeds on snakes, rodents, reptiles, and insects. It stands on tall crane-like legs, has a raptor’s curved beak, and long cranial feathers that resemble a ceremonial headdress when raised. Its wingspan is greater than 6 ½ feet. Olmsted ironically captures these features in his assemblage sculpture comprised of typewriter parts and electrical components that were traditionally associated with a secretary’s profession in past decades.