12" Flock of Birds by Late Pavinak Petaulassie (1961-2019)

Inuit art: Birds
Artist: Pavinak Petaulassie
Size: 12" long, 2.5" tall, about 2" wide
Community: Cape Dorset, NU
Stone: Serpentine
id: ndc-162-1262122fejy

Provenance - September 2019:  Sadly, Pavinak recently took his own life. He was a pillar for the Inuit art community and was well known for his gentle and jolly caribou sculptures. This caribou (see All Carvings, pg 3) came from another gallery that closed. This is one of the last caribou carvings by the late Pavinak Petaulassie. 

The late Pavinak Petaulassie carved with an innocent and gentle demeanour. His creatures are uninhibited and natural. You find yourself bonding immediately with Pavinak’s tender artfulness.

I am enchanted with this flock of birds, sitting patiently in a row. 

Their countenance is a clever balance of primitive and cartoonish.  Each bird, though similar in appearance, has its own endearing quirks. This is the magical spell of Petaulassie. 

As the birds hold their gaze in one direction, I wonder if they are planning their migration south? 

Even the caramel coloured brown stone imparts a peaceful tone to the sculpture. 

“Birds” is a versatile piece. This sculpture could be at home in any room. The obvious placement would be on a fireplace mantel or a bookshelf but I can see this piece on a kitchen island or a coffee table. Even elevated on a larger hardcover book on a bedside table.  

PROUDLY CANADIAN SINCE 2008