The strong and majestic image of the orca is prevalent throughout the Northwest Coast. Anyone who travels to this culture rich area eagerly looks to sight a pod of killer whales in the wild. It is a very important clan crest and is a central figure in numerous stories of the "First Peoples". Among the best known is that of Natsilane and how he created the first killer whales to seek vengeance on his brothers in law who had betrayed him in a serious way. The human figure in the body of the orca symbolizes Natsilane. The abalone disc inlayed into the dorsal fin symbolizes the sun.

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, and painted or stained, and then 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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