Eli Elijassiapik
(1936–)
(–2015)
Eli Elijassiapik
1936–2015
Eli Elijassiapik (1936–2015) was an Inuit sculptor and carver from a camp on the Nauligavik River. He was the adopted son of Elijassiapik the Elder. In 1963, Eli married his wife Eva, who was also an artist working with fabric and textiles. Additionally, his brothers Simeonie and Harry are both sculptors.
Using varied stylistic and decorative elements, his work primarily depicts subject matter such as birds and fish. His larger carved pieces have characteristic inlays of ivory and bone to highlight the feature of the eyes.
Eli’s work has been exhibited throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. His work can be found in the collections of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Canadian Guild of Crafts in Montreal, and the Musée de la civilisation à Québec. In addition to carving, Eli was also an active trustee on the board of directors of Les Federation des Cooperatives du Nouveau-Quebec. He also spent several years as the president of the Inukjuak Community Council.