[Artventurer]

Hello,

I just came across this website while I was researching carving totem poles and found some great information here. I am an art teacher who is currently NOT working as an art teacher, doing other things. A friend of mine who graciously loans his property several times a year to the boy scouts has informed me that a friend of his has offered to donate a large cedar log to be used to carve a totem pole for the boy scouts. Since I am the artist he naturally thought I'd be the one for the project even tho' I have NEVER attempted anything like this at all!
I did take a class on sculpture in art school and I did love chiseling away at plaster to make some interesting pieces--all abstract. So anyway, what I'd like to know is: 1. Am I crazy for even considering this project? 2. I'm good on the research, drawing, planning of the actual "art", but not so sure of the logistics. The boy scouts are only camped there for one weekend. Should I arrange it so they can take part in it or try to do most of it on my own ahead of time?
3. Are totem poles painted after they are finished? What kind of paint do I use?
4. I recently learned to use a SawsAll (spelling?)--would that be a good tool to cut away the big chunks? I have a hammer and some small chisels from my sculpture class-- I don't want to invest much money in tools because I won't be getting paid and this will probably be my only totem pole.

I was very interested in the thread by the Danish teacher who attempted a totem pole, it looked like he had a great start, but I wasn't sure how it all turned out in the end. What kind of tools did he use with those kids, I'm wondering?

Anyway, any help would be appreciated. The scouts will be camping in February. I also noticed that many of the postings mentioned VA. We are also located in eastern VA. Thank you all in advance! Sandy

[Kelt]

If I can get some carvers out to the house to carve a pole in January you are more than welcome to come up to the Fredericksburg area and participate. It might help work out some of the "bugs" so to speak!

[Artventurer]

Hi, thanks for replying. That weekend carving sounds really interesting and I'm sure would be a great way to learn what is possible for me. I do have 2 out of town trips planned for Jan. already, tho, so that might be tricky. Let me know if you do come up with a specific date. Sandy

[whitecree]

How big a cedar pole? Length and thickness, that is. Red cedar as well, I would hope as this was the wood most often used traditionally.

If you're thinking of a full size totem, don't count on getting it done in a single weekend.

Do a google on 'totem poles', and explore all hits.


Come up with a story, and make your totem figures based on the story you are telling. All totems tell a story of some sort.

Keep it simple. Some of the totems carved by todays top names are very complex.

Pay attention to which figures are where. Not generally a good idea to have a frog over an eagle unless your story calls for it. Even then, I'd think it over six or eight times.

Sketch it out on paper to get an idea of how it will look. Designing 'on the fly' may work for some projects, but on a totem, it just leads to disaster.

Paint may be used, but - again - keep it simple. Traditional colours were black & red, sometimes a dark blue or green, and mostly were to emphasize features. The entire pole doens't need to be coated in it. If the pole is to be outside, any good exterior enamel works well.

Take lots of photos, and keep us posted!