Albedo, the second stage of ancient alchemy, is depicted by a Swan. Indicating an initial spiritual encounter, the Swan represents the beginning of transformation. The birds rarely fly, rather they skim on the surface of the water; they are seen as creatures that balance on the boundary of the physical body and the soul. Swans have been linked to the union of opposites necessary for the creation of the philosopher’s stone, a substance capable of turning base metal into gold. This piece was made to encompass the beauty of opposing forces that balance our world.