Jimmy Aqpik
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Featured
Ningeosiaq Ashoona
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b. 1979
Art has always been a part of Ningeosiaq's life, with aclaimed artists, [Mayoreak Ashoona][1] and Kaka Ashoona, for parents. She has been carving since 1998 and has had numerous solo exhibitions across Canada.
Read MoreJohnny Inukpuk
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B. 1911 - 2007
Inoucdjouac, Québec
Johnny Inukpuk began carving in the early 1950's and his sculptures reflected both the austere and loving realities of life.
His work received recognition as part of an exhibition of Inuit art known as The Coronation Exhibition held at Gimpel Fils in London, England in 1953.
In 1978, Inukpuk was made a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Fine Arts. A prolific artist, he was still carving well into his later years.
Read MoreOsuitok Ipeelee
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B. 1922 - 2005
Neeouleeutalik Camp, NT
Osuitok Ipeelee was an artist originally from the Neeouleeutalik Camp. He first learned to carve by watching his father Ohotok and then by experimenting in his teens with carving wood and other found materials. Ipeelee moved to Kinngait (Cape Dorset), NU, where he became instrumental in the print and carving programs in the community, creating depictions of Arctic animals as well as humans engaged in traditional activities. Caribou were among his preferred subject matter, crafting their elegant bodies from stone and antler, such as his work Standing Caribou (1985). In 1955, along with Peter Pitseolak, Ipeelee directed a team of craftsmen to carve the official mace for the Council of the Northwest Territories. In 1959, he was also commissioned to create a sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II, which was presented to her upon her visit to Canada that same year.
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Billy Merkosak
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Billy Merkosak is an established Inuit sculptor from Coral Harbour, Nunavut. Merkosak is known for his whale bone carvings that respond to the tradition lifestyle and culture of the Inuit. Their forms are inspired by archaeological artifacts and legends passed down through generations.
Read MoreElijah Michael
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B. 1929-2008
Kimmirut, Nunavut Territory
Elijan Michael began carving at age 16 and prefers working in stone, ivory and antler.
Read MoreTony Oqutaq
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Tony Oqutaq is an emerging artist based out of Kinngait. He is known for his carvings of scenting bears.
Read MoreJonathan Puqiqnak
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Featured
Meekeeseetee Saila
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Cape Dorset
1939 - 2008
Meekeeseetee is the son of the famous Cape Dorset sculptor Pauta Saila.
Meekeeseetee has been exhibiting for more than 35 years and his work is held in collections accross North America. He is known for his graceful minimalist representations of wildlife, particularly loons.
Read MorePauta Saila
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Kinngait, NU
1916 - 2009
An innovative carver known especially for developing the dancing bear sculptures, Pauta Saila remains one of the most recognized Inuit carvers to date. Born in Kilaparutua camp on Baffin Island in 1916, Saila learned by watching his father to live on the land as well as how to carve. He remained a hunter throughout his life, and focused his artistic endeavours solely to carving in 1981. Saila also drew images of arctic wildlife and his work was featured in the Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection from 1962-1981. He was elected to the Royal Academy of Arts in 2003.
Read MoreAxangayuk Shaa, RCA
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b. 1937
Cape Dorset
Axangayuk Shaa has been carving since the age of seventeen. With over eleven solo exhibitions and numerous group shows both in Canada and internationally, Axangayuk Shaa is one of the most prominent sculptures of Cape Dorset. He was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy in 2003.
Read MoreDaniel Shimout
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1972 - 2022
Salliq, NU
Daniel Shimout is an artist based in Salliq (Coral Harbour), NU, where he was born and raised. He has been carving since his teenage years, following in the footsteps of many artists in his family.
Daniel Shimout grew up watching his father, Anakudlak Shimout, carve and learned about the different tools and techniques he used, which influences some of the processes Shimout uses today. Shimout started carving at the young age of 16 and has been carving for over 25 years now.
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