New Seattle Public Art: John T. Williams Memorial Totem Pole Project
Slideshow Volunteer David Patterson stands between two of the totem poles at Pier 57, both of which came from a single tree. The one on the left is almost completely painted, and the one on the right is undergoing final carving and painting. “I’ve been out here since the 15th of March,” Patterson says, “seven days a week, rain or shine.”
All photos by Carey Rose.
Photo: Carey Rose.
John T. Williams’ brother, Rick Williams, is a regular fixture down at the John T. Williams Memorial Totem Pole project at Pier 57 on the Seattle waterfront. The button on Rick’s bandana, as well as the shirt with the J-T design behind him, are both for sale with 100 percent of the proceeds going to help fund the project.
Photo: Carey Rose.
“John’s father carved long after he went blind, carving by feel,” said volunteer Tom Susor. Here, he makes small adjustments to the pole’s symmetry, and covers up any mistakes that were made in the initial carvings. “This eye is about an inch taller than this eye,” Susor said with a sigh. “But, it’s only wood.”
Photo: Carey Rose.
These totem pole carvers exclusively use small pocketknives that have been sharpened specially for the job, Susor said. Some are meant to be used with the right hand, some with the left, and in Susor’s case, some have the bottom inch or so of the blade dulled so that the carver can have a better grip without getting cut.
Photo: Carey Rose
The half-painted totem pole that rests besides its painted brother bears more than a passing resemblance. Rick was hopeful that both could be complete and shipped off the week of July 17.
Photo: Carey Rose.
A small model totem pole, used as a guide for the full-size poles, sits atop its larger twin.
Photo: Carey Rose.
Rick Williams’ infallible smile is impossible for visitors to ignore. The smoke is from burning sage, which is used to bless both the totem poles and the people who’ve worked on them.
