Desert Doodem Tiki Totem
Tikis have a fandom that precludes collection and inclusion. The cool cats who admire, collect & respect Polynesian art, et al, keep this connection alive. They are a special animal that must be revered in their love for honoring this traditional primitive art. As my piece comes from an amalgamation of cultures, I hope to honor both.
The indigenous artists got an influx from the sailors who landed and embraced this new art, and then wanted to share their discovery. It is interesting to combine the different/similar ideas of what a totem/tiki is meant to be into its completion. The combination comes from pushing thru ideas of what these admired creations represent. The tiki is equal to the totem, both to gaze upon and worship or revere.. the world they are in, as they are gods, some to be worshiped, some to be revered. They are as we are.. a testament to the power of people who need to find a place in this bright blue/green world. Desert Doomed offers a totem of desert creatures that embraces the idea of the totem for protection, celebration and worship. A desert coyote howls below a serene tortoise older than the cycle of human life. A jack bunny bares his vegan fangs to the totem god below offering homage. The scarab is sacred across millennia and spreads her wings of protection and power. She embodies the sundial that marks time on all levels.
Tiki protects them all as well as the Hawaiian gods tattooed on his body.
S/he is life: S/he is male: S/he is female: The world revolves. We are one: we are each: we are both: we are love.
‘Desert Doodem Tiki Totem’ - 2021
Pyrographic burned wood panel, acrylic paint, found objects on an antique wood frame
18" wide x 30" high