Toonoo Sharky

Born: June 5, 1970
Community: Cape Dorset
Achievements:  2003 Royal Canadian Academy member

"Toonoo's parents, Josephee Sharky and Ragee Killiktee, were both carvers, though he credits his grandfather, master carver Kuppapik Ragee and his uncle Shorty Killiktee as influences. Toonoo started carving at ten, began to get serious at thirteen and first exhibited when he was just 17. He is regarded as one of the most exciting young carvers to emerge in the Arctic. His themes include fanciful and quite dramatic treatment of wildlife, particularly birds, and transformational works that are both powerful and humorous." *

* From Cape Dorset Sculpture, Douglas & McIntyre, 2005