12" Loon with caribou bone beak by Charlie Ookpik

Inuit art: Loon
Size: 12" long, 6" high, 6" wide
Community: Gjoa Haven
Inuit Artist: Charlie Ookpik
id: c-069

 It is a miraculous moment, when you fall in love at first sight with a piece of art.

I fell head over heels for this precious carving. I expect many of you will, too.

I think this work’s poignancy can be explained by its rawness and its gentle personality.

In this sense, it resembles some of the great emotive sculptures carved by the artists of the isolated community of Gjoa Haven on King William Island (famous for being the last port of the lost Franklin Expedition 1850’s).

I am mesmerized by the excitement that radiates from Ookpik’s loon as she swims along in search of food. Her beak is tipped upward and her eyes are wide and round giving her the appearance of one who is searching the heavens with innocent wonder.

Her gentle countenance, the embroidery of her feathers and her perfect proportions are the foundations of her exquisite beauty.

Ookpik’s loons are celebrated among the avant garde circles of Inuit art enthusiasts.

I have never seen a loon quite like this one. She is a rare gift.

PROUDLY CANADIAN SINCE 2008