Sheokjuk Oqutaq
Sheokjuk Oqutaq (1920–1982) was an Inuit sculptor and carver from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut.
His work includes stone sculptures of arctic wildlife, such as fish, bears and birds, and human figures. His carvings also depict familial relations and hunting according to a traditional Inuit lifestyle.
In the 1940s, Sheokjuk began carving ivory miniatures during his time in Kimmirut (Lake Harbour). He was introduced to stone carving in 1952 in Kinngait. Sheokjuk moved back to Kimmirut and lived there between 1954 and 1959. During his time there he worked with both ivory and stone. Sheokjuk settled in Kinngait permanently in 1959, where he would go on to develop some of his greatest works including “Woman Sewing Mitt,” which was shown at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto.
Sheokjuk’s older brother, Osuitok Ipeelee (1923–2005) was also an established artist.
Sheokjuk’s work can be found in major collections across North America, including the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the Musée des beaux-arts, Montréal.