Spirit Totem

This was my first large chainsaw carving, made when I was still learning the craft and needed practice carving eyes. Rather than carve a new piece every time I wanted to practice, I decided to fill a single log with as many spirit faces as I could.

The inspiration came from Norse mythology, particularly the idea of fallen Viking warriors ascending to Valhalla. The faces rising one above another represent the spirits of those warriors making their journey to the afterlife.

What began as a simple exercise in carving techniques became one of our most familiar traveling companions. The Spirit Totem has stood in front of our tent since our very first show, where visitors often stop to admire it. Between events, it stands outside our home, waiting for its next journey.

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