Thunderbird

This painting was inspired by a piece exhibited at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. It is the only piece left from a full carving of a bird that would have adorned a house. The Thunderbird Symbol symbolises power, protection and strength. He is often seen as the most powerful of all spirits.

The Watchmen

The Haida often placed 2 Watchmen at the top of their totems to watch over the village. They usually wear tall hats but for this painting I wanted to create something focussed just on a face. This is the first in a series of 3 that will capture the watchmen that can be found on one of the totems on display in the grounds of the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver.

Totem Inspired Beaver

This painting was inspired by totems on display at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. Beavers featured on Native American totem poles symbolize determination, protection, overseeing and building. Totem poles feature animals and mythical creatures believed to have spiritual significance to families, tribes or clans.

Spirit Bear

This piece was inspired by a section from Haida GyaaGang (house-front pole) that is exhibited at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. The kingdom of spirit animals, the bear is symbolic of grounding forces and strength. Through history this animal has been seen as powerful totem.

Totem Man # 2

Weathered but not beaten #1

Weathered…But Not Beaten # 3

Thunderbird - 2

This painting was inspired by a piece exhibited at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. The Thunderbird Symbol symbolises power, protection and strength. He is often seen as the most powerful of all spirits.

Look Up

I often wonder if the tops of tall totems do not get the appreciation they warrant. This painting is a composite of three totems from different locations in BC. The main image can be found in the courtyard at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria. It shows the supernatural bird Kolus grasping the head of a chief wearing a sun mask. The left totem is of two of three watchmen and can be found in the gardens of the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) in Vancouver. The right hand one is the top of the Centennial Totem located just south of the Maritime Museum in Hadden Park, Vancouver. This totem stands an impressive 100ft tall.