ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Many folks have special sculptures that enhance the garden space.

They choose cherubs small and angels tall to decorate the place,

In my backyard it’s not that way.  Art adorns with sculpted wood,

The treasures that are planted there, make our yard look extra good.

My husband, Paul, the artist, is not limited to doing paintings.  He is also a master sculptor.  When he was in art school he studied art history and particularly the art of America’s Northwest Coast Indians.  The familiar story pole is filled with images of animals, fish, birds and other creatures of nature. It is intended to tell a story about the tribe, rather than as an idol to worship.  This was their expression of life through art.  I love this art form, not only for its background, but intricate beauty and choice of colors. The pieces shown in this photograph are from a home in the Brainard Lakes region of Minnesota. Paul was commissioned to create these totems. His use of nature subjects, coIor and features that are truly native American are beautifully hand crafted.

We actually do have a totem outside of our house, but I do have a little trouble explaining its existence in my yard however – especially to my church friends.