Kris also carves various items in wood.  White cedar is in abundance in the area where he lives, and it it is the wood of choice for outdoor and indoor works.  Cedar is both beautiful in colour and tone, and its strength and resistance to insects and weather make it the obvious choice.   Kris is however not adverse to working  with other woods if available.  All wood work is done by hand with hand tools only.  Only on occasion are poles "roughed out" with a chain saw before finishing and painting by hand.

    Totem poles are not entirely traditional to Anishnaabe people.  "We did however, erect clan poles to honour our lineage.  My poles reflect that tradition incorporating traditional clan symbols and contemporary images."  If the poles are finished with paint, the designs are 'Woodland' in style, with vibrant colours, and distinct lines.


    Totem poles, like all of Kris' work, tells a story.  Each symbol or totem on a pole represents a feeling, a person, an animal, a place, or a concept.   We try to always meet the people we are doing a pole for and visit the place where it will be erected.  Kris draws on stories the people tell him about themselves, their history or the area for subject matter.   Below are a few samples of the poles done in recent years.

    

Bobcaygeon, Ontario Height: 16 feet	Stoney Lake, Ontario Height:  16 feet	Cameron Lake , Ontario Height:  19 feet	Bridgenorth, Ontario Height: 4 & 6 feet
Cedar Point, North of Midland, Ontario Height: 10 feet	Title TBA, North of Midland, Ontario Height: 18 feet