Pudlo Pudlat (1916–1992) was a talented artist born at Ilupirlik, a small camp near Amadjuak, NU, who was later based out of Kinngait (Cape Dorset), NU. Considered one of the most original contemporary Inuit artists, Pudlat was known for depicting the transition from traditional nomadic Inuit lifestyles to modern technologies [1]. He started his art practice as a sculptor and eventually began working in painting and drawing. During his lifetime, Pudlat created approximately 4,500 drawings and 190 prints [2].

“Pudlo’s works over the years demonstrate his keen visual sense, his versatility and innovativeness in subject matter and technique, tempered by his sense of humour --- his knowledge of traditional life on the land and his acknowledgment of the changing times…Pudlo’s thinking/drawing process is a truly creative approach, done both consciously and unconsciously.

In the 1978 Cape Dorset print catalogue (p. 67) Pudlo talks about his drawing: “At times when I draw, I am happy, but sometimes it is very hard. I have been drawing a long time now. I only draw what I think, but sometimes I think the pencil has a brain too.”

*Jean Blodgett, “Grasp Tight the Old Ways”