Totem Shriver
Totem Shriver
Instructional Associate
Miller Fine Arts Center 125
Totem is a multiple disciplinary artist with a focus on wood carving and collage. He has a strong penchant for indigenous design from cultures spanning the globe. Totem also relies on natural systems and the mysteries to guide his works. He strives for awe and the unknown, and considers his works talismans for the people and the planet. He has been actively engaged in making, showing and selling objects for 40 years.
Among the many adventures he has so far encountered, Totem happened upon a teaching position at Linfield in 2004. He is an instructional associate responsible for teaching basic and 3-D design classes. He also runs the wood and welding shops in Miller Fine Arts.
He believes in collaboration and community building through experiential learning avenues. He once had students paint and pitch a tipi in graduation greens in front of Pioneer Hall. Classes were held in the tipi and whoever wanted to could spend the night. Totem is also the originator of the “Built to Burn” event as well as the sculpture trail on campus. He has inspired students to paint many murals at Miller Fine Arts, the bike shop and in downtown McMinnville.