Ookpik Pitsiulak facts for kids

Ookpik Pitsiulak (also called Okpik Pitseolak) was a very talented Inuk artist. She was known for her amazing carvings and sculptures. Ookpik worked in the famous Cape Dorset community. This area is well-known for its Inuit art in Canada.

Early Life and Home

Ookpik Pitsiulak was born in 1946. Her birthplace was Lake Harbour, which was in the Northwest Territories. Today, this place is called Kimmirut in Nunavut. She grew up in both Lake Harbour and Cape Dorset. Cape Dorset is now known as Kinngait, NU. Some of her family members worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. This company had trading posts in the area.

Her Amazing Art

Ookpik Pitsiulak often carved her art from soapstone. She frequently created sculptures of female figures. Ookpik also worked with beads. She even added beadwork to some of her sculptures. Her beautiful artworks are displayed in several important places. You can find them at the Canadian Museum of History. They are also at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The Winnipeg Art Gallery also has her pieces.

Learning New Skills

Ookpik learned how to make jewelry and beadwork from her grandmother. This was a special skill passed down in her family. She also took classes to improve her jewelry-making. She studied at the Nunavut Arctic College.

Helping Other Artists

Ookpik Pitsiulak was a dedicated member of the Board of Directors. This board was for the Inuit Art Foundation. She worked hard to support Inuit artists. She spoke up for their interests and helped them.