"Art of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest Coast"

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"Raven Totem II"

(stain and acrylic on wood 17 1/2 x 30)

Original - $1,450 U.S.


Raven is without a doubt the most prominent figure in Northwest Coast cultures. Many stories have been told of his exploits; some showing off his noble qualities and some his not-so-noble ones. One of my favorites tells of Raven conning Crow into throwing a potlatch and then taking credit for it, thus assuring that he would have enough to eat for the coming winter. Crow became a beggar and lost his beautiful singing voice as well.This striking piece shows a Tlingit influence in its design. Inside the bill is a disc symbolizing the sun which "Raven" placed in the sky.

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This detail (from another artwork) gives you a closer look at how this piece was made. The totem is first sketched onto birch wood and then each piece is cut out, sanded, primed, and stained or painted. (The reddish areas use a red oxide stain for their color.) The totem is then reassembled on the painted masonite. This one is framed with a satin white frame without glass that gives it a spectacular look. The striking color combination and professional presentation will add traditional class to any decor.

These totem originals have a very contemporary look while owing their origins to traditional design structures. They have the 3-dimensional appearance of carvings and yet a 2-dimensional appearance of flat artwork. It can vary from subtle to dramatic depending on the lighting source.

This technique is perfect for artwork needed for large home areas and corporate settings. They can be made to fit virtually any size requirements and take approximately 3 weeks to construct. Special considerations can also be made for any personal preferences. Feel free to contact me via e-mail for further information and I'll answer any questions you may have.


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