Pudlalik Shaa

Cape Dorset, Nunavut, Canada

Pudlalik Shaa is the son of the famous Inuit carver, Aqjangajuk Shaa.  He started carving at the age of 12 after watching his father and others carve.  He has supported himself through his art since the age of 17.  Pudlalik learned to carve using hand tools exclusively – an axe, a saw, a rasp and various files. He carves a range of subjects including transformations, walruses, geese, musk oxen and drum dancers.  Pudlalik typically carves small to medium-sized carvings, except when he goes out to the quarry and can bring back larger pieces of stone.  Many of his birds and transformations are finely balanced on one leg.  Pudlalik has had exhibitions in North America and Europe.