Manitous: Kevin and Tanner Gadomski’s Ojibway Animal Totems

Grizzly Bear - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Kevin Gadomski pays homage to the Native American heritage of his children with these animal totem sculptures. They are called Manitous, from the Ojibway word meaning spirit or mystery. The sculptures portray a variety of animals — from birds of prey to bears, deer, and wild cats — and the artist keeps in mind the unique talents and spiritual powers which the Ojibway believe each animal possesses.

Gadomski makes these Manitous with the help of his son, Tanner, and other artists, and he has been making them for nearly 20 years. Each work is made from a wide range of materials, including wood, fur, leather, feathers, and beads. The beautiful painting and detail that goes into each piece is amazing. These handmade, limited edition sculptures are available to buy on the artist’s Etsy shop, Freedom Gallery.

Deer - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Deer

 

Deer - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Deer

 

Goldfinch - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Goldfinch

 

Goldfinch - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Goldfinch

 

Grizzly Bear - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Grizzly Bear

 

Grizzly Bear - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Grizzly Bear

 

Lame Fox - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Lame Fox

 

Lame Fox - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Lame Fox

 

Otter - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Otter

 

Otter - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Otter

 

Painted Turtle - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Painted Turtle

 

Painted Turtle - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Painted Turtle

 

Peregrine Falcon - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Peregrine Falcon

 

Peregrine Falcon - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Peregrine Falcon

 

Wood Duck - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Wood Duck

 

Wood Duck - Manitou - Sculpture by Kevin and Tanner Gadomski

Wood Duck

 

 

Tom is a writer, artist, and multi-media guru from Pennsylvania, U.S. He holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication, but he has also taken several university-level courses in fine arts, art appreciation, graphic design, printmaking, and Asian art. He has been blogging for Monde Mosaic since February 2014.

1 Comment

  • Reply December 13, 2014

    kevin

    Thanks Tom…will definitely share this on my Facebook page. Best of luck with your Blogging.

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