Pitseolak Ashoona, O.C., R.C.A.
BIRDS AND SEA BEASTS
PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, O.C., R.C.A. (1904-1983), KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
BIRDS AND SEA BEASTS
engraving, 1967, 30/50, Mat burn present around image perimeter, hinge tape remnants on verso. Minor imperfections throughout, overall good condition.
Please contact the specialist for further condition information.
8 x 6 in — 20.3 x 15.2 cm
Provenance:
Estate of W.A. Ross MacFadden, Toronto, ON
Note:
Pitseolak Ashoona's art career began with sewing and embroidering in an arts and crafts program initiated by the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources. For two years she made primarily sewn works until the Kinngait (Cape Dorset) graphics studio was established in 1959. Inspired by works made by her cousin Kiakshuk, Pitseolak began drawing, and quickly became recognized for her work in graphite, and later print media. [1] An early practitioner of engraving following its introduction by Terry Ryan (1922-2017) to Kinngait in 1961, Pitseolak’s drawing style of shading through rapid line movements seems to have found perfect expression in the medium of engraving with its capacity to express wiry thin lines. [2]
A highly acclaimed artist even in her own lifetime, Pitseolak Ashoona was also the mother of important artists Kiawak, Kaka, Koomwartok, Ottochie, and Napatchie Pootoogook.
Birds and Sea Beasts from 1967 depicts a scene of strange beasts–perhaps in transformation. The image is rendered in Pitseolak’s distinctive rhythmic parallel lines.
Of the relatively small number of early engravings produced by Pitseolak, we are very pleased to offer nine in this auction (see lots 14 through 22).
Published:
West Baffin Co-operative, Eskimo Graphic Art / Les Arts Graphiques Esquimaux 1967, Cape Dorset, N.W.T.: West Baffin Co-operative, 1967. pl. 70.
References:
1. Lalonde, Christone, “Pitseolak Ashoona, Life and Work”, Art Canada Institute. Accessed February 21, 2022. Click here to read more.
2. Eber, Dorothy Harley, Pitseolak Ashoona in Pictures Out of My Life, Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2003, p. 102.
Estimate: $300—500
BIRDS AND SEA BEASTS
engraving, 1967, 30/50, Mat burn present around image perimeter, hinge tape remnants on verso. Minor imperfections throughout, overall good condition.
Please contact the specialist for further condition information.
8 x 6 in — 20.3 x 15.2 cm
Provenance:
Estate of W.A. Ross MacFadden, Toronto, ON
Note:
Pitseolak Ashoona's art career began with sewing and embroidering in an arts and crafts program initiated by the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources. For two years she made primarily sewn works until the Kinngait (Cape Dorset) graphics studio was established in 1959. Inspired by works made by her cousin Kiakshuk, Pitseolak began drawing, and quickly became recognized for her work in graphite, and later print media. [1] An early practitioner of engraving following its introduction by Terry Ryan (1922-2017) to Kinngait in 1961, Pitseolak’s drawing style of shading through rapid line movements seems to have found perfect expression in the medium of engraving with its capacity to express wiry thin lines. [2]
A highly acclaimed artist even in her own lifetime, Pitseolak Ashoona was also the mother of important artists Kiawak, Kaka, Koomwartok, Ottochie, and Napatchie Pootoogook.
Birds and Sea Beasts from 1967 depicts a scene of strange beasts–perhaps in transformation. The image is rendered in Pitseolak’s distinctive rhythmic parallel lines.
Of the relatively small number of early engravings produced by Pitseolak, we are very pleased to offer nine in this auction (see lots 14 through 22).
Published:
West Baffin Co-operative, Eskimo Graphic Art / Les Arts Graphiques Esquimaux 1967, Cape Dorset, N.W.T.: West Baffin Co-operative, 1967. pl. 70.
References:
1. Lalonde, Christone, “Pitseolak Ashoona, Life and Work”, Art Canada Institute. Accessed February 21, 2022. Click here to read more.
2. Eber, Dorothy Harley, Pitseolak Ashoona in Pictures Out of My Life, Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2003, p. 102.
Estimate: $300—500
Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Lot # | Low Est | High Est | Sold Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-03-17 | Waddington's | 21 | 300 | 500 | 180.00 |
| 2021-03-04 | Waddington's | 23 | 200 | 400 | 180.00 |
