The Story is in the Soil
Description:
Print Method: Silkscreen
Edition: 99
Released: June 2013
Skulls bring up a wide gamut of emotions in people. While many immediately think of death and destruction, others conjure up images of nefarious characters sporting skulls tattooed into their skin. Some think skulls look amazing and will decorate anything and everything with them. For others, their fear is so great that they can’t even bear to look at them
Whatever our reaction is, we have an innate and inescapable connection to skulls--the knowledge that underneath our layers of hair, skin, fat and muscle, we too are sporting a nice shiny white cranium. To remind myself of this, I even put my fingers up to my cheekbones and start to feel the contours of my own bone. I caress the orbits and massage the crown. I think of all the stories that I have locked away within the protective walls of my dome. I wonder if anyone will ever gaze upon my bared skull and, if so, would they know any of its former contents? Would they even know who I was?
Anywhere mankind has lived, you are bound to find skulls buried beneath the soil. Each and every one represents a life lived and a life lost. They represent stories of great joy and of great pain. They represent tragedy and loss. They represent lives worth living for. Inside each and every dome, once sat a thousand stories waiting to be told--a thousand stories that now sit hollow in the cavernous remnants of their fortress. Skulls are like libraries once stocked with books that now sit vacant, devoid of their contents.
As a teenager, I remember being called out to an archaeological dig where they found the remains of a young woman flexed in burial posture. I recall looking at those bones and wondering who she was. Was she an ancestor? What were the life stories that once flowed throughout her body? It struck me as so real--life and death--that I started to understand its scarcity and sacredness. I began to comprehend why our people treat our graves with such respect. We honour mortal remains that once carried life, that once contained souls. We honour that our ancestors are now in the ground. They surround us....the story is in the soil.
“The Story is in the Soil” is a limited edition print using the silkscreen method of printmaking. This print was released in June of 2013 and printed by Andy MacDougall in Royston B.C. The artist was involved throughout the process and has ensured that all stencils were destroyed following printing. A total of 121 prints bear the title “The Story is in the Soil” and are signed by Andy Everson: 99 in the primary edition bearing the numbers 1/99 through 99/99; 9 Artist’s Proofs; 9 Remarques and 4 Printer’s Proofs. The acid-free 100% Stonehenge paper measures approximately 11 x 30 inches. Image size measures about 9.5 x 28 inches.
FAQ
Where do you ship to?
We ship from Canada throughout North America and internationally. International customers are responsible for any import duties, tariffs, or customs fees charged by their country. Learn more in our full Shipping & Returns Policy
Who pays customs fees, duties, or tariffs on Totem Design House orders?
International customers may be required to pay import duties, tariffs, or customs fees based on their country’s regulations. These charges are not included in our product or shipping prices and are the customer’s responsibility upon delivery. If an order is refused due to unpaid customs fees, any refund will be issued only after the returned items are received in their original condition. Please note that return shipping costs and any loss or damage during return transit will be deducted from the refund.
Are Totem Design House products authentically Indigenous-made?
Yes. Totem Design House is proudly 100% Indigenous-owned and operated. All of our designs are created by Indigenous artists, including award-winning Northwest Coast artist Andy Everson, and the majority of our products are made in-house at our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory. By purchasing from us, you are directly supporting Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
Are Totem Design House products sustainably made and eco-friendly?
Yes. At Totem Design House, we prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable production practices. Whenever possible, we source organic fabrics, recycled metals, and locally produced materials. Most of our products are designed and made in-house to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure exceptional quality. Supporting Totem Design House means supporting Indigenous artists and a business that values sustainability, cultural integrity, and ethical production.
About us
Indigenous Woman-Owned
Totem Design House is a proudly Indigenous-owned and operated lifestyle brand founded by Haida and Cree entrepreneur Erin Brillon. From our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory, we create products that blend traditional stories with modern design. Every purchase directly supports Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
Guided by Indigenous Values
Totem Design House is more than a lifestyle brand — we’re a social enterprise. A portion of every purchase supports Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society, funding initiatives that uplift Indigenous communities and cultural revitalization. Through our products, we share the stories, teachings, and traditions of our ancestors, creating opportunities for education while celebrating authentic Indigenous artistry. Our work is grounded in sustainability, reciprocity, and respect for the land and culture.
About Our Artists
Our designs are created by award-winning Indigenous artists, including Andy Everson of the K’ómoks First Nation & Jesse Brillon of the Haida & Cree Nations. Each piece carries a story — celebrating our connection to the land, the ocean, and our ancestors. When you shop Totem Design House, you’re supporting real artists and helping to keep Indigenous traditions alive.