The Arctic is characterized by having very few bird species compared to other ecosystems.  But this lack of diversity is made up by the incredible number of birds that have large breeding colonies in many parts of Canada’s Far North. It is therefore not surprising that birds are a common subject in Inuit sculptural art. Carvers, regardless of their community or age group, enjoy the tremendous challenge the animals represent and the many different ways they can be depicted. Some artists, Napachie Sharky, Etulu Etidloie or Ning Ashoona for example, have chosen them for to be their main inspiration and are especially known for their life-like creations of birds.

While some of the works in this collection are representational, others show the bird in transformation or spirit form, for example Toonoo Sharky’s magnificent Bird Spirit or Pudlalik Shaa’s Transformation.  Alternatively, John Sabourin’s work, Fox Teasing Raven, illustrates a story passed down to him from his grandparents.  

In all of these works, we see the joy the artists take in creating works that are inspired by nature.

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