I was asked to create an image that symbolized the marriage of two people deeply in love.  I chose the orca as it is strong and free, yet needs its own kind to feel whole.  Together the whales form a sacred circle of unity and trust.  Within each whale are two ravens.  Ravens are the tricksters, the strong mysterious power that is so prevalent in Northwest Coastal tribal legends.  They are survivors. These ravens are swallowing the orcas while all are simultaneously giving one another strength and knowledge.  It is this symbiotic relationship that completes the circle, giving the marriage a life of its own.

Raven is perhaps the best known character in the Northwest Coastal Native pantheon of supernatural creatures.  Raven has many facets: the Transformer, the Trickster, the Teaser and the Teacher, just to name a few. This supernatural bird is credited with everything from discovering humanity to giving light to the day.  I have chosen to represent Raven in a contemplative pose.  Thinking about his next adventure, or perhaps recalling an ancient joke he once played.  Surrounding the wily Transformer are four Ravens visually representing the four directions, as well as reminding us that Raven is everywhere.

This rendition of Raven is only available in black.

Sea turtles are not a traditional Northwest Coastal crest or icon.  However, contemporary artists have rendered images of sea turtles to honor their ability to swim long distances, and promote awareness of their endangered status.  I have chosen the sea turtle to represent the earth we live on.  His shell is in the style on an old mask, which represents both humans living on the "shell" of the earth's surface, and the wisdom the old turtle accumulated over the years.  The "Old Man" is depicted swimming, not just through the sea, but through time, reminding us that nature is endless and will be here long after we are gone.

This traditional Northwest Coast story describes the creation of the salmon runs, which allow the people to harvest the fish each spring and fall.  There once was a boy who, in his adolescence, was skeptical of the ways of his elders.  Tradition held that when eating salmon, to show respect for the fish, one threw the bones back into the river, thus the spirit of the fish would rejoin their kin in a good way.  This boy defied tradition , tossing the salmon bones on the shore instead.  Raven noticed this and discussed it with the salmon.  The salmon, who were highly insulted, refused to return to the river.  The people began to go hungry.  The boy, when he realized he was the cause of his people's hardship, threw himself into the river to drown. The salmon upon seeing his act of desperation transformed him into a large salmon.  Ever since, "Salmon Boy" has led the salmon up river each season to feed the people. Salmon Boy is represented with his hand out-stretched, beckoning his sisters and brothers upstream.

Among the coastal First Nations, the Sun and Moon were not widely used as crests or totems, but were popular and depicted often.  Some tribes described the Sun and Moon as a married couple.  Sun was the life-giver, and a sign of creativity.  Sun could also be destructive.  Moon was often associated with transformation, and as a protector.  I felt that the awesome power of the Sun, when coupled with the Moon, could harness the creativity, and keep the intensity in check.  I chose to depict Sun/Moon in an eclipse mode, thus showing Moon's gentle power over the intensity of Sun's being.  Together, they form a balance, and become a benevolent spirit guide to all who view it.   This design is currently only available in black.

This rendition of SalmonBoy is only available in black.

In this design I chose to represent humankind's interaction with our environment and symbolize our  role as protectors of the Earth.  I represent the Earth as the Turtle, hard shelled, and alive within.  Using the device of split-imagery, Turtle forms a circle suggesting the endless cycle of seasons and life, through time.  Superimposed upon Turtle, is Bear.  In traditional Northwest Coast art, Bear represents the supernatural, the change from animal to human. and the guardians of spirit.  This Bear suggests humanity's role of protector of the Earth, yet is part of the Earth.  Bear's tongue denotes power and the ability to transform that power into action.  Together, Turtle-Bear reminds me of our relationship with the Earth, and our ability to make changes for the good of all.

In Northwest Coast mythology, the Sun and Raven are often intertwined.  Without Raven's intervention, Sun would still be hidden in the old Chief's box.  Both Sun and Raven are considered the givers of life, as well as being the creators of havoc and mischief. I have chosen to depict this enigma by merging the images of Sun and Raven.  Raven has become the Sun's rays, and the Sun's nose is Raven's beak.  Sun's tongue is shown in a classic display  of power, to remind us that without Sun, our world would be cold and lifeless.

During these trying times, I wanted to make an image that denoted strength and vision.  I chose Bear.  Bear's close relationship to people, his connection to the spirit world, strength and fierceness, made him a guardian.  Bear is wearing a frontlet headdress of Hawk.  Hawk's superior vision, and skills in hunting and providing for his family are attributes that Bear takes on when wearing the Hawk frontlet.  Together, Bear Hawk becomes a warrior whose strength and vision will be of comfort during difficult times.

This image celebrates the Bear Father of the Bear family or clan.  The traditional story of the Bear Mother meeting the Bear Father while berry picking is well known.  She eventually marries the bear and bears him two cubs.  Her family ultimately rescues her, returning her to her home and founding of the bear family crest.  This is Bear Father, roaming the forest in search of the woman who will bear his children.  She is depicted inside him, her hands displayed representing the two children she will give him.

I once lived by a large remote river.  During salmon season, the eagles were hard at work harvesting their share.  For the fish, it was a race against time in order to flourish.  I wanted to commemorate this eternal struggle of survival for both fish and bird.  Although Eagle is in the dominant position, Salmon is tenacious, hanging on to Eagle as well as life itself.  Both Eagle and Salmon are traditional crest figures in Northwest Coastal art.

Orca has long been prominent in the stories and traditions of the Northwest Coastal Native People.  Not only is the Orca a crest animal, they are closely associated with their land-bound counterpart, the wolf.  Some say the first Orcas were supernatural white wolves.  They share similar attributes as excellent hunters, with powerful bodies, cunning intelligence, and the lasting devotion to their clan.  Orcas are associated with prosperity, dignity, and long life.  

    I have chosen to show Orca in the breach position, powerful and free.  In the center of Orca resides wolf.  Clinging to the dorsal fin is a stylized human figure to remind us of Orca's close association with humans.  There are stories of drowned mariners and chiefs becoming Orcas that help others at critical times.  There could be an even closer proximity to Orcas that we have yet to uncover.  Perhaps the old stories are coming true.