Artist Statement

​

A totem is a spirit being. Many Native American cultures believe human beings are linked to different animals that will guide him or her through their journey of life. Each totem has a symbolic connection to an animal.

 

The photo series Totem shows the connection to the internal animalistic spirit human beings have. Each nude model represents the vulnerability humans have in today’s society but, when in nature, a naturalistic side emerges. The taxidermy mounts represent the loss of an animal that was taken out of its natural environment and made to be on display like some kind of trophy. The two displayed together become one and the true spirit being emerges in a natural atmosphere.

​

​