Carvings

Stone carving is the dominant medium in Kimmirut. The stone carving industry is thriving and one government estimate suggests it adds about $800,000 annually to the local economy (see www.gov.nu.ca/communities.htm).

There is an abundance of local stone here. Green serpentine and serpentinized peridotite are used primarily, along with black stone from Andrew Gordon Bay, mottled brown stone and charcoal grey stone from Markham Bay, green stone from Nuwata and dark stone from Kangiak.

Stylistically, Kimmirut artists tend to create relatively realistic images in their work, perhaps because that is what the southern market demands and because the stone used is soft enough to carve intricate details.

Many famous carvers hail from Kimmirut, including Elijah Michael, Simeonie Aqpik, Davidee Itulu and Temela Ookpik. Their work and that of many other Kimmirut artists can be seen in collections around the world.

Visitors to the hamlet can visit the Soper House Gallery to view and purchase carvings. Kimmirut is one of the very few communities in Nunavut which can claim to have its own gallery. The Kimik Co-op may have carvings on sale and some artists are happy to sell directly to tourists.