“Gyaehlingaay”
In 1991 I had a leg injury and it was necessary for me to keep it elevated for some time. As luck would have it, I was asked to illustrate Gyaehlingaay, a little publication featuring stories by Haida elder Lillian Pettviel. The text was written in both the Haida language and English, co-authored by Carol Eastman and Elizabeth Edwards.

I informed the authors that I was a carver, not an illustrator, and that the two weeks alotted to complete the job was short notice. When I was also informed that there was no available money I laughed and said, “in that case, I accept”. I guess I’m a sucker, at least for a challenge. The drawings are quite amateurish, but it was fun.

“Tenas Wawa”
A short time following this I published a Chinook Jargon dictionary and grammar booklet and a six- page quarterly called Tenas Wawa that ran for three years. The text was written in both Chinook Jargon and English. It contained illustrated history, stories and cartoons.

I have always enjoyed working with a pencil, mostly in the form of architectural renderings. I frequently draw plans for my projects, especially canoes, totem poles and sculptures, with front, side, top and end views. It’s a tremendous aid for anyone that’s assisting me.