Inuit art: Seal with Fish Transformation Spirit
Inuit Artist: Clayton Keknek
Size: 7" high, 4.5" wide, 2" deep
Community: Gjoa Haven, NU 20
Stone: Serpentinite
id: c-068
Sometimes, these intricate transformation spirits are challenging.
One figure morphs into another, or an appendage pops up out of nowhere!
But what is easy to understand, is the joyful spirit of Clayton Keknek.
Clayton's carvings embody the Gjoa Haven esthetic.
Humorous, quirky, full of an unearthly spirit, Gjoa Haven art is easily recognizable but also, I believe, this art is often underestimated and undervalued.
The region is limited in the variety of colour of the serpentine stone. Thus the sculpture are usually dark greenish black to black in colour.
Also, I think some collectors shy away from some of the more grotesque (in style) carvings which is a common style in Gjoa Haven.
I love this transformation spirit carrying the slippery flipping and flopping fish on his back. I have the sense that he is taking pity on his "lunch" and may just let him go!
For me, I see each Keknek piece as illustrating values and character.
PROUDLY CANADIAN SINCE 2008
We promise to send you only good things
