Blessing of Narwhals

2021 CAPE DORSET Annual Print Collection

Ohito Ashoona (b. 1954)
Ohito Ashoona (1954) was born amidst the splendour of Nunavut.  He is the son of artists Mayureak and Qaqaq Ashoona. At the early age of 12, he began carving and apprenticed with his father and his uncle, Kiawak Ashoona.  His grandmother, Piseolak Ashoona, was also a gifted artist.

Ohito is deeply connected to his surroundings having spent his formative years living in an outpost camp.  There, he experienced the traditional Inuit lifestyle in every sense - very different than living in a settlement or community.  He subsisted entirely off the land through fishing and hunting walrus, whales, caribou and seals.  The respect and love he shares for his culture, environment and the animals is apparent throughout his work.  His portrayals are upbeat and creative, despite the harsh existence in the Arctic.