Carving the Maiden of Deception Pass Story Pole   1983

        Starting with the scale model                                                 and the 30' by 5 ' cedar log, which arrived in early April at my shop on Reservation Road

        The work begins.  First the bark is peeled, and saved for later use.                                  Then carefully opening the log with the chain saw.


After the big blocks of wood are split away, the actual carving begins.                               With adze, chisel and mallet, each form is revealed.


                           Ko-Kwal-al-Woot's mortal face emerges.                                                 As summer arrives, the log is rolled over, to begin carving her
                                                                                                                                      transformed self.  The end-grain is painted and wrapped to slow drying.


                 She awakes anew, with hair of kelp draped down her body,                             and is gently lifted onto a trailer, for her homeward voyage.


            Standing upright for the first time                                         Ko-Kwal-al-Woot is home                            Red-veiled and adorned with cedar and kelp


                          Under the watchful eyes of their advisers,                                                       the chairman and carver prepare for the celebration.


                                                                                                                         Voila!


                     Canoes are sent out, to feed the spirit in the sea.                                                                                     the Samish Sea.