PERSONAL TOTEM POLE
For this assignment I had to create a visual totem pole depicting the relationships I have experienced between people and place, my place in the cosmos, my
history or my place within a system of relationships.
history or my place within a system of relationships.
FINAL TOTEM POLE
RESEARCH
RATIONALE
For my totem pole I chose to depict my relationship with different animals. The animals I chose to have in my totem pole each have a specific meaning and story behind them. I chose to have an image of hands as I wanted it to represent how I had the opportunity to care for each specific animal depicted in my work. The story behind the cat hissing is used to describe that from a very young age I started rescuing stray cats that would show up at our door, these cats were often feral and scared so when I would try to approach them they would always hiss and scratch. This would continue for a while until they would eventually warm up to me as they realized that I was not a threat. I used horses because when I was younger my grandfather would always take me horseridng. I also had the opportunity to work at a stable were I was in charge of feeding the horses as well as making sure that their stables remained clean. The reason why used a snake was because one ended up in our back yard a few years ago and bit one of our dogs. For some reason i kept the snake for a few weeks before releasing it back to a field close to my house. The bird in my totem pole represents how I would always find baby birds that have fallen out of the tree and bring them home to nurture back to health with my dad before setting them free. I used a picture of my dog because he is actually the first dog who was completely my responsibility and not that of my parents. I am in charge of buying the food he needs, paying for his vet bills and cleaning the backyard where he stays clean. in conclusion i always get a sense of pride when seeing the animals placed under my care thirving and living happy lives.
