Carvings

Smoke Hole Moon Mask

7” diameter, 5 “ deep, alder and pigments

What if the moon sat in the smoke hole of the clan house and watched the winter ceremonies? The sparks from the fire fly through the open mouth to become the stars. The face has freckles (more stars) and graphite around the opening- eyes, nose, mouth and edges to indicate soot from the fire. The face is flushed from the rising heat.

Wolf Watch Mask

7”high, 6” deep, alder, pigments, recycled wolf fur.

A Tsimpshian myth describes an eagle and a wolf that would watch the fish trap. The first one down to the trap could lay claim to the fish. I tried to capture the young pup as he struggles to stay awake. Being a wolf, you can surmise your own meaning from the 50’s curl on his head.

Mouse Woman

10”high, 8 inches wide, 5 1/2 “ deep, alder, pigments, wool, human hair.

Mouse woman is a helper spirit in Northwest Coast Indian mythology. She asks the person in need for woolen ear ornaments which she either unravels or throws into the fire as an offering. The Raven’s tail style geometric earrings on this mask reflect her love of wool.

8”high, 7”wide, 5 inches deep. Alder, pigments, Russian blue cobalt trade beads, feather, Statue of Liberty gold ingot.

In August and September of 2001, I was carving a grieving moon mask. The carving was already complete when the World Trade Center fell and so many lost their lives. I did not know what the design features would be until that day. The moon watches over New York City and grieves with the nation. The star shapes fall from the heavens and compact in the rubble. I wanted the facial carving to carry the piece so the design elements are restrained. The additional charms on the mask ties are reminders of my (raven’s) presence at the World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty many years ago.

^Top of page^

Go to Page 2 >>