11" Four Way Dancing Bear by Esau Kripanik

Inuit art: Bear
Inuit Artist: Esau Kripanik
Size: 11" (across), 10" vertical, 9" wide, 5" deep
Community: Igloolik, NU
Stone: Limestone
id: b-21198aefjy

This dramatic angst-filled and amusing sculpture relates theatrically to two works offered in separate but unique positions; dancing vs. diving.

Some of the greatest works of Inuit sculpture almost defy analysis. And sometimes the adjectives themselves seem to contradict one another. Perhaps the same holds true for this bear, as it cannot decide which way is up nor down. The relentless choice between right vs. wrong that confronts our daily conscience is the leitmotif of this piece.

Esa is my personal favourite artist. His pieces are so unique compared to other carvers. I Love the stone he carves with and his signature designs he puts on the surfaces. Moreover, the 4-way stance only lends itself for master carvers to achieve with success. It is incredibly rare to see a bear that can dance on all limbs, and done so with grace.

This piece in particular is complete perfection regarding proportions, coloration and movement. Moreover, it is able to stand on all three paws. I particularly admire the whale etching on the side. The white stone is electrical and is a sure centrepiece for any office or museum.

Its share beauty will resonate throughout the entire room and your audience will be completely captivated by it.

Esa himself is from a very remote Inuit community called Igloolik. Artists in Igloolik here have a unique style. They focus on creating sculptures to look as real as possible. The stone is rarely polished and they prefer a dry flat finish.

Esau is one of the top Inuit artists in the world for caribou sculptures. This particular caribou is personally our favourite, the most beautiful we've seen a long time. 

There are beautifully engraved caribou pictures on the side which makes this carving very unique.