Totems: Spiritual Markers

A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe. Wikipedia.

I began crafting the pieces as sacred objects with shape-changing power. In the light of day they project the form we associate with a Totem Cactus (Lophocereus schottii). However, at night, the color and light changes the perception of the piece. Consequently, this strange encounter of an unrecognizable form and bio-luminescent-like lights leads me to think they are a mirage. At first, the light and eerie color draws you to the piece. I muse that maybe it’s depicting the soul of the plant, the inside becomes the outside.

The molds recreate the shape of the totem and the tiniest detail of the plant. Oddly, upon casting resin within the mold, each color spoke to me depicting something sacred, and mysterious. The pieces define the edge of darkness. Bioluminescent [like] colors create an eerie spectrum of color.

My first castings (the artists proofs) are complete and off to casting this mold along with the Agave leaves mold for a show in Surprise this Summer at West Valley Arts Council https://www.westvalleyarts.org/

“It is the religion of man without divine guidance, trying to make his peace with the terrifying and mysterious powers of nature. It can be said that primitive man lays bare the basic character of all men because he is stripped of the material benefits that often mask our need for God”. Lauren Eisely

I continue to work on the pieces. That includes photography of the work. It is photogrpahy that allows me to juxtaposition the pieces. The pieces average 30″ in height. The bases will add height to the piece. Check in the online gallery for updates