Basil Aptanik

(1952- present )

Basil is a senior carver and printmaker based in Baker Lake, Nunavut. Basil was raised in an artistic family, as the stepson of the late carver and printmaker Martha Aptanik and the stepbrother of the late sculptor Paul Toolooktook. As a printmaker, Basil worked at the Sanavik print shop from 1970 to 1972, where he produced six prints spread over three collections. Basil’s sculptures are often carved from the region’s hard, grey basalt stone and typically represent figural compositions inspired by his community as well as shamanic imagery borne from his interest in traditional Inuit belief. His work has been exhibited both domestically and internationally since 1989.