Why illustrations?
• clear depictions of artifact form, workmanship and diagnostic and manufacture elements• no reduction of interpretation due to material color or defects and other distractions• photos can distort size and shape• illustrated images reproduce better than photos• no camera and lighting setup• illustrations add variety, professional appearance, clear depiction of vital artifactual attributes important to researchers
Most of my illustrations are a graphical representation of detailed information much like a map. They are not my "impressions" of the artifacts.
Other illustrations depict an artifact or a scene with some level of creativity. Usually rendered from photographs or textual accounts, an "inspired" illustration eliminates confusing or distracting elements like shadows, blemishes or color. Photographs in reports are often the best way to depict an artifact. But color photographs in reports can be expensive and a black and white copy of a color page immediately loses clarity. These illustrations are perfect for journals, magazines, brochures, newsletters or other popular media. Illustrations also offer variety and interest to the viewers and readers.

Here's three images of the same Clovis point. The professionally lit and arranged photograph on the left captures all the flake attributes. But once copied, the image loses its appeal and contrast. The illustration on the right captures and enhances the flaking attributes and can be repeatedly copied without loss of information

The images below show an Athabaskan dipnet woven with spruce root. The photograph suffers from a contrasting and confusing background. The pen and ink illustration removes that clutter and focuses on the artifact’s attributes without distractions.

Aleut helmut mask

Aleut awl styles

Alaska biface

Aleut decorative objects

Aleut kayak parts

Decorative motifs for Aleut hunting hats

Bird and net

Cormorant hunting

Stone tools from the Aleutian Island chain