Todd Westika studied geology at New Mexico Tech gaining a great knowledge of rocks. He is mostly self-taught and has developed his own style, starting after being given a small bear from an Aunt as a guide. Todd's work has been honoured by being selected to grace the cover of A Guide to Zuni Fetishes and Carving Volume 2 by Kent McManus.

                                   Artist's Statement
"Since a fish is believed to have a spirit, as though it were alive, I want people to get a sense of security and happiness from my carvings.
Whenever I'm about to work, I put my worries aside and try to have good thoughts so that those would be passed on to anyone who comes in contact with the fetishes.
I've always enjoyed collecting unusual rocks. Now in addition to collecting them, I give them new life. Earlier influences, and an imagination play a big role in transforming ordinary rocks into different fetishes"                          
                                                                Todd Westika

Todd Westika