Simeonie Aqpik   Simeonie was born in Ittiniq, a permanent camp between Kimmirut and Markham Bay, on September 6, 1931. He is now settled in Kimmirut and living in his own house, obtained through a housing program. He and his first wife have many children.Simeonie carves for a living. He does not want to take advantage of social assistance, though it is available. In the past, he sold his work to Northern stores, but now prefers to sell to the local Co-op store and private art collectors.Simeonie started carving in the early '60s, and learned by himself. He looks at the stone and its shape, and then decides what he is going to make. He likes to use custom, home-made tools. He does not like to use power tools, because they create too much dust. He believes the younger generation of carvers use power tools so they can finish their carvings more quickly.Simeonie mostly focuses his work on animals and hunters. He prefers to carve serpentine, though he has also carved other materials such as ivory and caribou antler. Simeonie recalls the carving of which he is most proud: a caribou with its mouth open. It was highly detailed. His inspiration stems from his ability to create and sell his own carvings.Simeonie's children: * Daughters: Naomi Akavak, Pauyungie Tye and Ooh Aqpik * Sons: Seemeega, Nowdlak and Kootoo Aqpik Simeonie says:"I do not look up to any other carvers for help, because I can do the carvings by myself. The first one I did sold for $600, which was a lot of money back then. I take my time and enjoy doing highly detailed or lifelike sculptures... I will continue to carve as long as I can ,to make a living and not depend on anyone else, but I would like to advise other carvers about the harmful effects of the stone dust."

Exhibitions

• Exhibition and Sale of Musk-Oxen & Bears, Cottage Craft Gifts & Fine Arts Ltd.
• Sculpture from Baffin Island, Pitakvik Inuit Galleries
• Sculpture from Frobisher Bay, Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec
• Sculpture Inuit, Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec
• [Inuit Art Exhibition], Whitby Arts Incorporated, The Station Gallery