Lucy Qinnuayuak facts for kids

Lucy Qinnuayuak (1915–1982) was a famous Inuit artist from Canada. She was known for her amazing drawings and prints, especially her pictures of birds.

About Lucy Qinnuayuak

Lucy Qinnuayuak was born in 1915, in or near a place called Salluit in Quebec. When she was young, her family moved to Baffin Island. They settled in a community now known as Cape Dorset.

As a teenager, Lucy married Tikituk Quinnuayuak. Their marriage was arranged, which was a common tradition at the time. Tikituk was also an artist, working as a sculptor and graphic artist.

Lucy and Tikituk lived a traditional hunting lifestyle. This meant they often moved around the Foxe Peninsula. They stayed in different camps like Shapujuak, Ittiliakjuk, Igalallik, and Kangia.

Lucy's Art Career

Lucy Qinnuayuak started drawing in the late 1950s. She was one of the first artists to respond to James Archibald Houston's idea. He wanted Inuit artists to create prints.

Her artwork was first shown in the Cape Dorset print collection in 1961. By the time she passed away in 1982, 136 of her prints had been published. This means they were made into many copies and shared widely.

Lucy mainly used graphite and colored pencils for her art. In the 1970s and 80s, she started trying new materials. She experimented with watercolor and acrylic paints.

In the last 20 years of her life, Lucy created thousands of images. She was famous for her unique drawings of arctic birds. She also drew scenes showing the roles of women in traditional Inuit culture.

Famous Artworks and Exhibitions

Lucy Qinnuayuak's art has been shown in many places. Her work has been displayed both in Canada and around the world. One of her designs was even used on banners for the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Her stone cut print called We all have something to do is very special. It is part of the Senate of Canada's collection of Aboriginal art.

Lucy's art has been part of over 80 group and solo shows. A major exhibition called The Inuit Print toured internationally. It traveled from 1977 to 1982.

Her artworks are kept in many museums worldwide. These include the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Canadian Museum of History. You can also find her pieces at the National Gallery of Canada.

Lucy's Family Life

Lucy and Tikituk had nine children together. Sadly, five of them passed away when they were young. They also adopted two children.

Besides their own children, they also cared for five orphaned children. These were the children of Tikituk's brother, Niviaqsi.

Lucy's husband, Tikituk, was an artist. Her niece, Kenojuak Ashevak, also became a very famous artist. Lucy Qinnuayuak passed away on September 10, 1982.