Two Carvings I made for the Story Pole Fundraise Launch & Auction in Bellingham

Several blog posts back I shared a progress pic of the Orca whale I was carving for a local fundraiser auction.

It was for Children of the Setting Sun Productions' efforts to share the story of the local Coast Salish people -- the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe.

The centerpiece of the festivity, and the subject of a documentary currently being produced, is the story pole originally begun by Lummi carver Samuel Cagey, Jr., whose health declined during COVID such that he could not continue work on the pole.

The pole's completion was entrusted to Salish artist Jason LaClair, who has been working on the pole in a dedicated space in downtown Bellingham at the Hotel Leo, where the auction was held.

The Orca carving was a popular piece, and attracted multiple bidders who drove the price up well beyond what was expected.

The auctioneer then turned to me and asked, "If both bidders will pay top dollar, will you make a second one?"

I had enjoyed every meditative second of making the first one -- honestly one of the most relaxing activities in my busy life -- so I readily agreed.

Orca #1 was taken home that night by a very generous and grateful new friend...

Orca #2 will be delivered to the second bidder later today.

I enjoyed a little more creativity with the patterns on #2, as well as choosing a cedar slab that had a bit more figure and character with several beautiful knots.

I have at least 2 other auctions that I'll be creating something for this year yet.

I look forward to sharing those creations with you as they come to life, and I promise I'll strive for something new and unique.