Ann Tompkins and Kananginak Pootoogook (1988)
Kananginak Pootoogook - 1935 -2010
Kananginak Pootoogook had charisma and creative genius.
He will be missed by people from around the world. Helping to found the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, he was a driving force in the print shop from the late 1950’s up to the present day.
He was celebrated for his amazing original prints of Arctic wildlife: seals, bears, muskoxen and birds; while his depictions of people showed the changes in the North. Many were smitten especially by his whimsical, engaging owls. He was also a Masterworks sculptor. His muskoxen, bears and wolves were thrillingly alive and distinctive. To have even one of his sculptures was an event.
A generous elder and teacher, Kananginak shared his knowledge of the Inuit life skills in his graphics, and he published a book in Cape Dorset in 1977 that shared this knowledge with us. It contained a print he made showing all the things he wanted us to know about in his world.
In 1988 The Guild Shop held a solo exhibition for him. With Jimmy Manning as his translator, he thrilled us by his presence (arranged by Dorset Fine Arts). His original drawings, limited edition prints and his marvellous sculptures dazzled us all. I had the honour of taking Kananginak and Jimmy to lunch in Yorkville in a Japanese / Korean restaurant.
Inside was a bridge over a pond with live goldfish which fascinated them. I asked lots of questions during the meal and Jimmy translated. It wasn’t until later that afternoon when a customer asked the great artist several questions and he answered him in perfect English that I discovered the jig was up. The room burst into laughter enjoying the trick played on us all. Another moment to savour. We all relished his playful sense of humour.
Over the years I saw Kananginak at various exhibitions in the “south”. Honours kept piling up for him. Earlier this year I saw him at his solo exhibition at the Museum of Inuit Art. When it was mentioned that his wife Shooyoo had come with him to the opening and how rare her trips south were, he leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek. Just this May when Blandina Makkik and I were in Cape Dorset’s print shop to observe prints being made, Kananginak came into the building. Recognizing me he gave me a hug. I will treasure the memory of this for the rest of my life as I do his legacy of his beautiful sculptures, drawings and prints.
November 25, 2010
Ann Tompkins
Gallery Director Emerita
The Guild Shop, Toronto
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Artist: Kelly Quppapik
Title: In The Kitchen
Community: Cape Dorset
Ref: 08093980
$425.00
7.75" width x 5" length x 2.5" height
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Artist: Pudlalik Shaa
Title: Transformation
Community: Cape Dorset
Ref: 66-1242702
$3,000.00
6.75" width x 9.5" height x 6.75" depth
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The Guild Shop is proud to be the oldest dealer of Inuit and native art in Toronto. The shop, over 75 years old, began selling Inuit carvings in the mid-1950s. Today, the Inuit & Native Gallery regularly carries a large selection of the best Inuit and native carvings, tapestries and wall hangings, prints, drawings and paintings as well as Inuit and native jewellery, masks and other aboriginal craft items from across the country. In addition, the shop holds annual exhibitions and retrospectives, and is one of a select number of galleries selling the annual print collections of the Cape Dorset and Pangnirtung Inuit communities, and the Holman and Baker Lake collections when available.
The Gallery regularly carries selected museum-quality pieces of special interest to collectors in Canada and around the world. These are outstanding works, created by some of Canada’s most highly regarded Inuit and native artists. However, the gallery also sells high-quality work in a wide range of styles and prices. Excellent small carvings, as well as jewellery and many other items are available in the $75 to $200 range. All lovers of fine Inuit and native art can find something in our gallery to suit their taste and their budget.
Blandina Makkik, Gallery Director, was born in Igloolik, Nunavut and was raised in the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Iglulingmiut. Having been exposed to the art of her people all of her life, Blandina brings a first hand knowledge of the materials, processes and subject matter, which greatly enhances her appreciation for the variety of art produced throughout the arctic. Together with Ann Tompkins, Director Emeritus, their knowledge of the many charming anecdotes about both the artists and the culture continually delight customers.
View The Guild Shop Renovation Photogallery.
For information and assistance with personal purchases of Inuit and native art or corporate gifts and awards, contact Blandina Makkik at BMakkik@craft.on.ca or any of our knowledgeable staff by phone (416-921-1721) or in person at The Guild Shop. Let us help you bring Inuit and native art into your life!
P.S. We ship around the world.
Inuit Print Collections
Images from Canada's Arctic
Each year, The Guild Shop's Inuit & Native Gallery presents the annual print collections of Canada's foremost Inuit artist communities.
"Each collection reflects the unique style of the community of artists that produces it," says Ann Tompkins, Gallery Director. "We're proud to bring these diverse expressions of Inuit culture to a wide audience, and look forward eagerly each year to seeing the fascinating new imagery."
To inquire about these annual collections and special opening events, contact The Guild Shop at 416-921-1721 or theguildshop@craft.on.ca.
The Inuit & Native Gallery:
Nunavik Feature
From the extreme northern Quebec region of Nunavik, The Guild Shop is proud to present an outstanding collection of Inuit stone sculpture.
North of the 55th parallel the area known as Nunavik has a long and storied history and is home to an extremely talented community of skilled contemporary Inuit artists. Many of these wonderful works of art depict stories and legends unique to this region. Sculptures made in this area use a very soft variety of soapstone, giving the artists the ability to carve in great detail. The nature of this stone makes the carvings from this region instantly identifiable.
Carvings from this region are only available to us rarely so we expect these pieces to attract plenty of attention. We’re sure you’ll agree – you can’t help but fall in love with these extremely personal sculptures.
Please contact The Guild Shop’s Inuit & Native art specialists for more information, including availability and pricing. Ann Tompkins and Blandina Makkik can both be reached at 416-921-1721. To explore Inuit Art online check out the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Inuit Art Centre.
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