Adamie Ashevak

Inuit

1959-

Adamie Ashevak was born at the nursing station in the community of Cape Dorset. He is the son of renowned Cape Dorset artists, Kenojuak (born 1927) and Johnniebo (1923 – 1972). Adamie’s family was still living in an outpost camp at the time of his birth. The family moved into the community when Adamie was 7 years old so that the children could attend school.

Adamie began carving when he was 10 or 11 years old. He learned from both his father and mother (they are famous for their graphic art but are also accomplished sculptors). He became a serious carver a the age of 18. For several years, Adamie had other sources of employment and income and carving played a lesser role in his life. Now, he carves as much as he can even though he is currently employed full-time.

Adamie’s favourite subjects are drum dancers and polar bears. He especially enjoys carving bears. Adamie has often had the opportunity to observe polar bears while seal hunting; this has given him the intimate knowledge of their physique, habits and movements. Adamie used to accompany his father, Johnniebo, on bear hunting trips when he was a child. He considers bears to be among the most beautiful animals in the world and respects their strength and intelligence. Adamie has carved several other Arctic animals as well. Adamie likes to capture movement in his work, no matter what subject matter he is working on.

Adamie used to carve exclusively with hand tools such as axes and files. He now uses power tools such as disc grinders for roughing out and Dremels as well as files and rasps for finer work. All finishing and polishing is done by hand.

Adamie is married to Ooloosie, the daughter of Cape Dorset carver, Mikisiti Saila, and they have five children. His two oldest sons have experimented with carving. Adamie’s brother, Arnaquq, is also an artist at Cape Dorset.