The Spirit Totem was inspired by the carvings, paintings, and myths of a number of Native American cultures which I visited by ferry, plane, dog sled, and kayak in Southeast Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, the American and Canadian Northwest coast, and the Baffin Islands in the Canadian Arctic. The Spirit Totem intertwines a snake, dragon, bear, lion, and ram. The Snake is an ancient symbol representing rebirth and healing. Some cultures look at it in a negative light. I don't try to create anything that is negative but want my sculptures to offer comfort, peace, and strength by giving them a feeling of empowerment. I use the totems as a story vehicle. The idea for the Spirit Totem came from my desire to create a family totem using representations of animals woven together. I have a child who was born in the Year of the Dragon, another whose nickname is Bear. One child is a Lion, born under the Zodiac sign of Leo, and a child who lived in Colorado much of his life is called the Ram. I was born in the Year of the Snake who is winding around, holding everyone together. It is a wonderful, personal piece and it works