Elijah Michael – Woman Breastfeeding

About the artist Elijah Michael

Elijah Michael
Inuit
Kimmirut, Nunavut Territory, Canada
(1929-2008)

Kimmurut artist Elijah Michael died on April 6, 2008, in Ottawa, Ontario. He was 79-years-old. A carver all of his adult life, Michael was known for his sculptures of arctic wildlife, as well for his depictions of family, Inuit games, and “Owl Women” (serpentine owls with thick women’s braids). One of his sculptures was given as a gift by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien to Pope John Paul II during a visit to Canada. Michael leaves his seven sons and two daughters, as well as nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He was mentor to many members of his extended family. The Guild Shop (Toronto) organized several exhibitions of work by the Michael family.
Inuit Art Quarterly, “In Memoriam”, p.46, Vol. 23, No. 3, Fall 2008
Elijah’s wife Annie and sons Mattoo Moonie, Pauloosie and Pee are also artists. He began carving at age 16 and prefers working in stone, ivory and antler.
Excerpt courtesy Inuit Art Section, INAC, 1997.
(Ref: Spirit Wrestler Gallery)