(1959-Present)

Josie Pootoogook, born in 1959 in Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut, hails from a family deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of the Inuit community. Her parents, Paulassie and Ishoqangitok Pootoogook, both played pivotal roles in the local art scene, with her father being a well-known sculptor. Josie’s extended family also boasts an impressive lineage of artists, including her brother Itee Pootoogook and sister Malaiya Pootoogook, both graphic artists, as well as several other brothers who are accomplished sculptors. This creative environment profoundly influenced Josie’s artistic journey.

Josie’s passion for art began during her school years when she first discovered her love for drawing. Inspired by the works of her uncle, Kanaginak Pootoogook, her aunt Napachie Pootoogook, and her cousin Annie Pootoogook, Josie was drawn to the intricate representations of life and nature in their art. Her deep admiration for their unique styles pushed her to explore the world of graphic arts, a field she pursued well into adulthood.

In the mid-2010s, Josie sold her first drawing, a significant milestone in her artistic career. Since then, she has regularly contributed her works to the Co-op, showcasing her talent for capturing both the present and past lives of her community, as well as the natural world. Josie’s drawings often feature animals and scenes that resonate with the rhythms of Inuit life, blending the timeless with the contemporary in a fluid, expressive manner.

Today, Josie continues to create art that reflects her profound connection to her cultural heritage and her family’s legacy. Her works stand as a testament to the rich history and traditions of the Inuit, while also offering a fresh, personal perspective that enriches the contemporary art landscape.