Born in 1953 (Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories)

Bill Nasogaluak was born in a generation touching the end of total tradition: “I caught Inuit values in a state of transition and I can tap all resources – whether from modern society or from tradition”. Bill’s work reflects the mythology and tradition of his people but one can also sense the influence of renaissance masters like Michelangelo to contemporary artists. His subjects derive from legends, such as Sedna, themes from his own culture – the Inuvialuit from Tuktoyaktuk. He does Gooblualooq, the shaman from his area. He has also done wildlife scenes intermixed with shamans and different storylines. The human form, to him, is one of the most beautiful ways of expressing himself.

From 2006 to 2007, Nasogaluak created inuksuit on behalf of the Government of Canada for public spaces in Guatemala City, and Monterrey, Mexico. He co-designed the Territorial Mace of the Northwest Territories, which was unveiled in 2000. In 1994, his Loon Song was given to Prime Minister Jean Chretien by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

“It’s just in my nature to continually push myself to a limit that I might never attain. When people ask me what my best piece is, my response has always been: ‘It’s my next one. And that’s how I push myself”.