Neither wind nor rain is stopping anyone from popping round in person to find out how the totem pole carving project is getting on. Michael from Cologne has already been on site a few times with his camera and has documented the various stages of the carving process in photographs. Today he’s popping by the stall to bring two collages, specially made for the two Native Americans, as a gift! He’s also lovingly arranged some photos into a collage for the company Globetrotter. George Rice is delighted and thrilled by such personal interest!
Florian’s parents have come up with something very special for their son. On his 13th birthday, they invite him and his friends to a carving workshop with master carver Harold Joe and George Rice. The six boys are spellbound as they carve their own small totem poles from cedar wood, modelled on the large totem pole. They happily carry their carved creations home. Florian also gets to enjoy his very own 64 square metre ‘birthday forest’ in Canada, which came about thanks to the carving event! Thank you very much!
In fact, more and more people are showing an interest in the carving workshops. How often do you get the chance to have a go at creating a work of art yourself and learn from two experienced master carvers? Globetrotter has organised workshops for its trainees. Here, the young people not only learn a great deal about the carving project and rainforest conservation itself, but also how the entire project – that is, the collaboration with the Cowichan First Nation, the Wilderness International Foundation and the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum – aligns with Globetrotter’s corporate values. After taking part in the carving workshop, all apprentices will give presentations on specific aspects of the project.
Members of SDW Dormagen (Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald Dormagen e.V.) are also proving to be enthusiastic woodcarvers under the expert guidance of Harold Joe and George Rice. It is entirely thanks to them that the rotten giant arborvitae was found in the Dormagen Forest and donated to the nature conservation and carving project. This initiative brings the project to life for everyone.
The work on site shows that the totem pole is becoming a project of encounters – an exchange of cultures, culture and humanity. We are looking forward to the remaining weeks until the grand opening on 5 October and are eager for further wonderful encounters at the totem pole!
Ellen Weiland
Photos: (C) Ellen Weiland