Arnakallak Saimut
My grandfather Joseph Saimut was a carver, but he died before I was born. My father, Arnakallak Saimut, used to carve and my brotherin-law, Leo Napayok, and my cousin, Leo Angotingoer, are also good artists. My father carved with files and hand tools, not the Dremels and electric tools that I use. Sometimes I use hand tools and think of my father. I watched him carve as a child, but it didn’t catch on until I was a teenager, maybe 16 years old or so. I had been trying to find my father’s work since he passed away in 1996. It wasn’t until I came to Winnipeg, MB, in June 2017 that I finally saw one of his carvings in the vault at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. They have works by my grandpa, my aunt, my uncle and my father. My grandfather made mermaids; I used to be shy about making mermaids, but I am going to make more now after finally seeing my grandpa’s work. I didn’t expect to see my father’s work, and I got a little emotional. It’s in our blood. –