Meelia Kelly

Inuit

Meelia was born in 1940 and lived the first several years of her life between nomadic winter and summer camps before her family settled in Kinngait.

Meelia didn't begin seriously drawing until she was in her 40's. She is well-known for her bold colors and shapes. One of Meelia's greatest supporters was her older sister, Sheojuk Etidlooie. Sheojuk was also a graphic artist and encouraged Kelly to pursue the arts. In her 50's, Meelia began to work out of the Kinnigait Studios (a locally-run co-operative). That's when it's said that she really came into her own style of work.

Meelia's interpretations of her community and the surrounding arctic wildlife gained popularity quickly. She was featured in the Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection from 2001-2006. Towards the end of her life, her prints continued to be sought after. In 2004, Pursued (2003) was the cover of Inuit Art Quarterly.

Although she is now passed, her art continues to live on and inspire people and artists. Clear inspirations of her art can be seen by the artwork of her grandson, Moe Kelly.