Inuit

Inuit Art

Surrounded by a stark landscape, the Inuit people draw inspiration from their intimate relationship with the few indigenous animals of the Canadian Arctic. In a land of snow and rock, Inuit sculptors work with the limited materials available to them; bone, ivory, fur and stone. Despite the limitations of the Arctic, the Inuit have gained international acclaim for their striking imagery which is often amusing, occasionally disquieting and sometimes both.

Arctic Raven’s collection includes stencil prints and serious works in stone depicting Inuit hunting and fishing themes, as well as more whimsical dancing and walking bears. Swimming sea birds, whales, walrus, seals, caribou and Inukshuk complete the selection. The gallery’s Inuit work also reflects the enduring theme of transformation in the myths and artwork of the Arctic peoples. Whether changing from animal into animal or human into animal, these native sculptures represent the belief that nothing dies – it merely changes form.

In a frozen northern world where Inuit villages are isolated from one another by hundreds of miles of road-less wilderness or thousand miles of ice encrusted sea, distinct carving styles have developed partially in response to the limited materials available. From the primitive yet powerful basalt carvings of Baker Lake region, to the shiny sophistication of Cape Dorset soapstone sculpture, each shows a strong imagination and profound connection to the animal and spiritual realms. Arctic Raven Gallery features works from all the major Inuit carving villages.

“Owl” by Palaya Qiatsuq

Owl 15w x 16h x 4d Palaya Qiatsuq, inuit stone sculpture

“Owl” by Palaya Qiatsuq
15 w x 16 h x 4 d – $3,400

“Drum Dancer” by Mark Totan

Drum Dancer 10w x 26h x 6d Mark Totan, stone sculpture inuit

“Drum Dancer” by Mark Totan
10 w x 26 h x 6 d – $3,200

“Fisherman” by Osa Omuyauluk

Fisherman 4w x 11h x 8d Osa Omuyauluk , stone sculpture

“Fisherman” by Osa Omuyauluk
4 w x 11 h x 8 d – $1,800

“Owls” by Joanasie Manning

inuit stone carving of owls sitting together by artist Joanasie manning sculpture found at arctic raven gallery in friday harbor wa

“Owls” by Joanasie Manning
6″ x 4″ x 3″ – Sold

“Dancing Bear” by Markoosie Papigatok

inuit stone sculpture of a dancing bear by artist markoosie Papigatok at arctic raven art gallery in friday harbor WA

“Dancing Bear” by Markoosie Papigatok
7″ x 5″ x 4″ – Sold

“Kayak Hunter” by Noah Jaw

inuit stone sculpture of a "Kayak Hunter" by Noah Jaw - at Arctic Raven Gallery in Friday Harbor WA

“Kayak Hunter” by Noah Jaw
17″ x 5″ x 5″ – $2,200

“Animals” by Pudlalik Shaa

Animals inuit carving by Pudlalik shaa - inuit stone carving at Arctic Raven Gallery in Friday harbor WA

“Animals” by Pudlalik Shaa
11″ x 8″ x 5″ – $2,200

“Two Bears” by Quaraq Nungeosiak

inuit stone carving of two bears by Quaraq Nungeosiak located at Arctic Raven gallery in Friday harbor WA

“Two Bears” by Quaraq Nungeosiak
7″ x 2″.5 x 3″ – $600

“Scenting Bear” by Tony Oqutuk

inuit bear carving by Tony Oqutuk

“Scenting Bear” by Tony Oqutuk
7″ x 4.5″ x 3″ – Sold