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The Whale Couple: 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 from 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 Coast 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.

Three Wolves: This image first appeared as an illustration on a drum. I was intrigued with the concept of forcing wolves into a circular shape. Wolves were traditionally associated with the spirit of the successful hunter and are considered a clan or family emblem. Supernaturally, wolves are related to the orcas or killer whales. Wolves are represented by large nostrils, long snout, big teeth and a curled tail. To enhance the "wolfness" of the image, I reproduce the wolf inside the two clawed paws, thus completing the circle.

Turtle-Bear: In this design I chose to represent human kind'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.

Spiritbird:Along the shores of the Northwest Coast, there is a beautiful black feathered bird known as an Oystercatcher. This red-eyed bird is both mystical and comical in his movements and actions. Indigenous artists occasionally depicted the Oystercatcher on rattles or spoon handles. Perhaps the habitat and behavior of this bird gave it mystical properties as it lived between two worlds - that of land and sea.

Raven:Raven is perhaps the best known character in the North West Coastal Native pantheon of supernatural creatures. Raven has many guises, the Transformer, the Trickster, the Teaser and 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.

Salmon Boy : 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 spirits of the fish would rejoin their kin in a good way. This boy defied tradition tossing the salmon bones on the shore. Raven noticed this and discussed it with the salmon. The salmon, who were highly insulted, refused to return to the rivers. 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.

Raven Sun : 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 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.

Bear Father : 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 2 cubs. Her family ultimately rescues her: retuning her to her home and the founding of the bear family. 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.

Eagle Salmon: 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 to survive 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 North West Coastal art.

Orca: 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 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.

Eagle Spirit : Many cultures revered the Eagle, and the Northwest Coastal people were no exception. The Eagle was featured prominently in both myth and ceremony, as well as a family crest. The Eagle is known for its strength, power and exceptional vision. I have depicted Eagle symbolically breaking out of the shell of the real world and entering into the spiritual realm. This denotes strength, skill and
intelligence as well as the ability to see what others cannot.