Born in Kimmirut, Nunavut

Pitseolak Qimirpik (1967–2024) was a master carver from Kimmirut, Nunavut, renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship. A versatile artist, he created stone sculptures of many different animals, but he was best known for his owls. Over the years, he gained celebrity-like status worldwide, with collectors on every continent vying for his work. Galleries often had to wait years for the chance to acquire one of his pieces, and even then, his owls were so highly sought after that they often sold before they ever made it to the shelf.

What set Pitseolak’s sculptures apart was their immaculate polish and shine. Each owl was polished to such a high degree that you could see your own reflection in its surface. Achieving this level of refinement put significant strain on his hands, causing him mild arthritis. Despite the physical toll, he remained committed to perfecting his craft, taking breaks between pieces to rest his hands before beginning the next. This dedication to detail, and the effort required to achieve his signature modern, polished look, was what truly distinguished Pitseolak from other Inuit artists. His owls featured an incredibly smooth surface, with perfectly aligned inclinations across their wings, a testament to his meticulous approach and artistic vision.