Germaine Arnaktauyok

“Germaine Arnaktauyok is a distinct Canadian artist. The ideas for her work stem from traditional Inuit legends or from living and witnessing the unique lifestyle of her people. Her character is composed of a gentle mixture: she is a simple woman, yet sophisticated; proud, yet modest; and her background is equally a fine blend of city living and old, traditional ways. But perhaps her rare character should be expected, for it is as original and intriguing as her artistic works.”

Debbie Hanna in “The Interpreter”, October, 1976

Born in Igloolik, Germaine is renowned for her talents as an illustrator and master printmaker…. [She] sold her first painting at the age of 11. She went to school in Chesterfield Inlet before attending the University of Manitoba and commercial art courses at Algonquin College in Ottawa between 1966 and 1968. She has also been employed by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs as an illustrator for various Inuit publications. Her father Isidore Iytok, and mother Therese Natsiq Tulugatjuk are carvers.

excerpt ©1997 Inuit Art Section, INAC