Creativity and Strength are contemporary interpretations of the traditional totem pole. The stratified nature of the work mimics the levels of images on a totem pole, with the top checkered/striped sections standing in for the watchmen traditionally seen on Westcoast First Nations totem poles. The bottom section of the glass works stands in for the base of the pole, and the centre animal designs appear on both the traditional and modern incarnations of this widely-recognized symbol of Northwest Coast Aboriginal culture.
Creativity features several animals which represent the different aspects of creativity. The raven has wisdom, knowledge and curiosity with bit of mischief, the bear is embracing and protective, and the hummingbird is full of charged energy. They are flanked top and bottom with moons, powerful and pulling. The checkered pattern that brackets the work represents a way of thinking, in pointillist sections.
Strength features animals such as the knowledgeable eagle, the loyal wolf, the guiding and intellectual sun, and the salmon of plenty. Instead of the moon, this artwork features the coppers, signifying prosperity and wealth. The stripes at the top and bottom of the work are a counterpoint to the checkers of Creativity, indicating a direct and channelled mode of thinking.