Totem

Artist Statement

I was born in Southeaster Alaska and although I was not born as an Alaskan Native, I was brought up engulfed to their culture. The style of Pacific Northwestern Indian art has inspired three generations of my family. My Grandmother needlepoint many designs into pillows and wall hangings and my father has created several woodcarvings and prints. As I started this project I became acutely aware of how my family's artwork inspires me.

Each member of my family has an animal or a type of energy that they are drawn to and their totems just fell into place. The colors that I used were partially inspired by tradition totem poles and carvings, but if I felt a better color match for my family member I used the colors that fit.

The eagle is my husband. I have multiple images represent the stages of life that I have know him as: the friend, the student, the artist, the husband.

The polar bear and her cub is an image of myself and a symbol of the children I surround myself with as a teacher.

The hands are my mother because healing is one of her passions.

The crab is my father. A creature with hidden strength and a multitude of ways to be creative.

The salmon represent my brother. A wise fisherman who appreciates the bounty from our rivers and oceans.

The porpoise is a totem that my little sister has chosen from a very young age. She identifies strongly with nature and water.

The images can be viewed as individual pieces or as a totem pole.

Thank You, Hosanna