Totemic Columns, 2003-2013

Medium: Wood, Enamel, and Found Materials

Dimensions: 8' tall x 16” diameter

In 2002, Carter spent a summer in New Zealand and studied the art of the Maori people. His own multi-ethnic background had earlier drawn him to African-American and Native American wood carving traditions. A series of monumental carved columns incised with abstract animistic imagery in low relief was the result of this exploration. 

This work was acquired for the re-opening of the $60Mil+ renovated Grand Rapids Arts Museum in Michigan for permanent display in the ground floor atrium. The GRAM is the first LEED certified museum in the world and Carter's extensive use of salvaged materials including reclaimed woods and found objects is a perfect fit.