The natives of the Pacific Northwest Coast were a very creative people, decorating practically everything they made with totemic creatures and designs. Sometimes these were symbolic representations of clan and family crests, sometimes they were creatures or characters from legends and family lineage, and sometimes they were simply decoration - done to balance out a design and fill space.

This particular design can be found throughout the many northwest cultures in different forms and is known as a "salmon/trout" motif. The salmon were an intrical part of the peoples lives so it is no wonder that this design permeates their artwork as well.

This detail gives you a closer look at how this piece was made. The totem is first sketched onto the wood and then each piece is cut out, sanded, primed, stained, and varnished. In this case, the reddish areas are stained a red oxide. The totem is then reassembled on the painted masonite. They are framed using satin-finished black mouldings without glass and with proper lighting, have a very dramatic effect.

These totems have a very contemporary look while owing their origins to traditional design structures, primarily those of the Haida and Tlingit. They have a distinct 3-dimensional quality and their appearance 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 2 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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