INUVIALUIT CARVERS

Booth #: 809
Categories: Jewellery 2024, Sculpture 2024

“My art is an expression of my Inuvialuit heritage and the lessons I’ve learned living on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. Growing up in Tuktoyaktuk, I learned the art of carving from my family and began creating art at a young age.
My style of carving is unique, evolving from my views and experience of Inuvialuit traditions and beliefs including hunting and fishing, travelling, and watching wildlife in the Arctic.

As an Inuvialuit, my traditions and art styles are different from many other Indigenous communities. After moving
to Calgary, I continued to create art using the materials I had available. With little traditional materials to carve with, I began making beautiful jewelry from the pieces left from carving antlers, Ivory, and Muskox Horn.

As an urban Inuvialuk, I am constantly learning how to balance my traditional way of life with modern living. It is important to me that I pass on my knowledge to my daughters so that they can continue to learn and celebrate our heritage through art. My goal is to create art that not only celebrates my culture but also creates a connection between the viewer and the Arctic environment. Through my art, I hope to share the richness of my culture with others and keep the legacy of my great-grandfather alive for future generations.” – Priscilla Boulay

Priscilla starts with a raw piece of material; whether it be soapstone or horn.  She begins cutting it into shapes and then details them with power tools. Once the piece is detailed, the sanding process begins. Once the sanding is done, they apply a coat of protector to finish it off.
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