[from all over the world] for many years to come.” He believed that the determination to change for the better can prove to the individual how strong they really are.

No one knows better than Sanford Williams, who survived the abuse and unconventional upbringing in residential school. For years, Sanford turned to carving as a way to heal. During trying times, he knew there was no resolution in substance and underwent professional treatment. All the while, Sanford carved. The strength of the animals depicted helped him move forward.

In the Transformation mural, Sanford Williams incorporated the legends of the Mowachaht transformation belief with SPL standards. As with most art, interpretation is subjective. However, the continuity of the legends that Sanford worked with can be viewed as such:

• The human/chief holds an eagle feather for guidance during the course of change
• The human transforms in to a wolf to signify determination and teamwork
• The wolf transforms in to a killer whale to represent unity in numbers
• The final stage of change with the killer whale reverts the process back to human

The idea that the process continues with each life can be viewed crosswise as each living being and the elements have the ability to influence each other in a unbroken cycle.

Throughout the designing process, Boulding and Clarke asked Williams how he could include the SPL logo to be part of the mural. Out of three separate plans, Sanford created one in particular where the SPL logo was used in place of “grandfather moon”, where transformation occurs in Mowachaht lore. The significance of how SPL could be viewed as the place of change was perfect, allowing Sanford to begin the carving process on a 1×2-metre panel.

After two years of consulting and designing, laminating and carving, the result is a gorgeous full-sized mural made of red cedar that currently calls Strathcona Park Lodge its home.

In 2011, Transformation was presented to SPL and displayed in the guest reception area at the main entrance. At last, the inspirational mission statement meant to inspire everyone was now recreated as a visual piece to be admired and allow anyone who views it to explore their potential.

By Marlana Williams
Marketing & Sales, Sanford Williams Master Carver

Photography:
Marlana Williams

Special Thanks:
Sanford Williams, Master Carver
Christine Clarke, Executive Director Strathcona Park Lodge

For more information:
www.sanfordwilliams.com
www.marlanawilliams.com
www.strathconaparklodge.com
Strathcona Park Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC

I suggested that his work become a work of fiction, providing characters and elaborating on the meanings of his carvings. With this new idea, all of the pieces featured could be explained in detail – something tourists often wanted from Sanford. For the most part, the book can be approached as a collection of short stories, although some of the chapters are a continuation from the previous sections.

Eagle in the Owl’s Nest features a brief biography for Sanford, explaining where he’s from and some of the experiences he’s been through to become the great artist that he is today. From there, fourteen of his most popular pieces are given characters and adventures. For those who are interested in the culture, the legends of the animals used in Sanford’s carvings are explained and a wordlist helps with the Nuu-Chah-Nulth language. Finally, the real carvings behind the book are presented with brief descriptions of each piece.

While writing, I was back in my comfort zone. I love advertising and marketing. It’s been my career of choice since graduating from the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s broadcast communications program in 1995. But writing is my passion. I have several projects that I am working on, and love the British Columbian theme that I have created for my own brand.

I enjoyed working on Eagle in the Owl’s Nest so much that I am now gathering ideas for a second book to feature more of Sanford Williams’ work. The creativity is endless when my characters can include talking birds, wolves, and fish, and the ability for these creatures to call upon spiritual wisdom. It allows me as a writer to pull ideas from just about anywhere.

To order a print or e-book format of Eagle in the Owl’s Nest, visit Amazon or CreateSpace.

By Marlana Williams

Follow & Connect with Marlana Williams

Website: http://www.MarlanaWilliams.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/WriteOnTheWater
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-1eolH5_9f9zjyPST8LSw
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7015210.Marlana_Williams
 

Once described as “the real deal”, Sanford still carves authentic pieces from his remote, beachfront shop using handmade materials, and he is also accessible from his off-season home in Hope on the BC mainland. Though his art has been found in dozens of galleries around British Columbia, Sanford Williams is an artist for the people, and loves meeting the public to carve custom-made pieces for them.

I want to maintain the beauty and authenticity of traditional West Coast native art, because it’s more than just my work— it’s my way of life.

By Marlana Williams
Sanford Williams Marketing & Sales

More Information
Website: www.sanfordwilliams.com

Photo Credit
All photos by Marlana Williams

Yuquot (Friendly Cove)
To get to Yuquot, view the Schedule of Day Cruises to Friendly Cove.