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Chris Meadows standing by a Totem Pole he carved
A Totem of Life’s Journey
By John Atkinson
Chris Meadows had an image in his head since boyhood. He lived with this powerful sight for over 50 years. Finally he found a way to release it from his mind. A pine tree in his yard had died. Without cutting down the tree, he carved from the bottom to the top. Each figure on the Totem represents his "inward" and "outward" journey thru life. The totem pole is 18 feet tall. When I asked about the man praying at the top he said it represented him, the years waiting to release the likeness from his mind. I thought Chris was bullheaded to whittle the tree in place, but on close examination it was obvious the energy spent was necessary. I watched a video of the project. It's the life's struggle of an artist that had to be played out. He used primitive tools and labored for 4 months. Now lovers of art can enjoy his beautiful totem pole. Thank you Chris.A Totem of Life’s Journey
By John Atkinson
10 comments:
How interesting, Chris is a very good artist. I love objects that tell a story. BTW...I ordered Timekeeper and had it sent to my daughters house, She started reading it and now can't put it down. Hopefully she will have it finish in the next couple of weeks when I return to the northeast and I will be able to get into it. Can't wait.
Amazing totem! John, I love reading your articles, has started on day one and slowly moving forward. So happy for google reader, it's all there when I have the time - no matter where I am at the time :) Amazing story of Life, you have a great talent for telling your story and making it interesting and compelling :)
Thank you Gladie for the kind words. I went on your blog this morning and enjoyed the picture of the three children by the seashore. It reminded me of my kids years ago. I left a comment for you. I'm thankful for what is written in English on your blog. I tried to get you language translated but failed.
If you ever need a laugh check out my sister blog in the side bar. Thanks for visiting! John
What a neat story, John! I love how you share what you know and what interests you with the rest of us - you help make our worlds larger. Thank you! (And thank Chris for allowing you to share his story with us.)
Thanks Heather. I don't know what I would have done without Chris's photo art work on my blog. He's the coolest guy alway giving to others. I want to show some of his pottery but Chris thinks that will take away from my blog's theme, the White Buffalo Spirit. I think it will show what the White Buffalo stands for, uniting by sharing.
Thanks for the visit. Please come back. I enjoy your blog. I pray things are well with you and yours. John
Wow! That is some totem pole! Wish we had it in our yard! The work that went into it is super great! Thanks for sharing.
Hugh and Joyce Davis
Thank you Joyce. It warms my heart to see people admire art and the artist. The totem is deeply spiritual. Thank you for your comment. John
Wow, John, that totem is intense! I can't imagine what it took to birth it. I am also intrigued by Chris's collage for your previous post. As an artist I know how hard it is to do a "simple" collage. You and he make a good team.
Lausanne, thanks. When it comes to my blog Chris has been heaven sent. I'm so not savvy with art and Chris makes it look easy. We go back to the early 1950s and have alway been friends. He likes my writing and I like his art. We do make a good team. Please visit again. John
As of November 2009 "A Totem of Life's Journey" has the most hits of all my blogs! Thank you Chris Medicine Meadows
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