Totem Pole Project
Arlene was very fortunate in an apprenticeship with Earl Muldon. A first project of two totem poles for the Northwest Coast Community College (now Coast Mountain College) at the Hazelton Campus.
This is a part of the start of her carving journey as a Gitxsan carver of K’san
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This project was created to represent the Gitxsan nation at the Coast Mountain College-Terrace Campus Residence.
It is called “The Gift” featuring a narrative composition, namely the beaver to represent the totem pole apprenticeship I had with Master Carver Earl Muldon (RIP). The half face woman with Flicker represents my first carving instructor at the K’san Carving School in Hazelton Vernon Stephens (RIP), it is a well known design technique and style of his. I added other figures and style components to reference the influences of artists such as Phil Janze (RIP), Ya’Ya Heit (RIP), Walter Harris (RIP), Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan, and Ken McNiel.
I based the figures off the stories, legends, and history that we as First Nation Fine Artists, and I as a Gitxsan Artist study intently. We translate these stories and history to the art form in formline and carving. The one-horned goat is my personal history detail, the mouse woman for the lessons and learning, the spider for the weaving gift. The Beaver is the main component as the beaver is the first carver, bearing the gift of carving.
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This totem pole project is slowly coming to the finish line, I had some interruptions where we had to pause while I heal from various issues. Once done I will be able to share this poles story, I can say that it was designed to specifications, to tell the story which is what totem poles do. Thanks for looking, and hopefully before too long you will see a new gallery page dedicated to this project.
Arlene is always planning her next projects, whether they be totems, art carvings, regalia carvings, public or private commissions. For inquiries or commissions please email Arlene
Gitxsan Carver of K’san