Joe Eqilaq (Ekidlak)

Joe Eqilaq lives in Sanikiluaq (formerly the Belcher Islands), off the west coast of Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) in the Hudson Bay. While this is still a major carving community today, with the exception of a handful of artists, the work from there is distinguished by the mass production of small “airport art” sculptures that have become its trademark. Like the majority of artists in Sanikiluaq, Joe works mainly in the dark veined black green aphebian soapstone (like a sedimentary slate) indigenous to this area. This stone is relatively easy to work and has contributed to the sleek style that is emblematic of this area.

©2004 Spirit Wrestler Gallery

photo courtesy Najuqsivik Society