Lot 152
OSUITOK IPEELEE (1923-2005)
Note:
This important print graces the cover of Norman Vorano’s book, which explores early Inuit print making, Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiration. In it, it is noted that James Houston’s shaving brush was used as a stencil brush (pg. 57). In these early days, there was much experimentation by the printmakers and this option of blending the colours through the stencil provided a softer effect than the one created by use of a roller to apply colour.
Although Osuitok had a history of creating graphic art, he would become much better known for his incredible carvings. Osuitok had been incising on tusks before he met James Houston and even tried his hand at watercolour. He was integral to the start of the print making program in Cape Dorset but only contributed two prints in the 1959 collection and nothing further after that. This print is rarely available on the market and one of the most sought after.