13" Masterpiece Walking Bear by Bill Nasogaluak

Inuit art: Walking Bear 
Inuit Artist: Bill Nasogaluak
Size: 12.5" long, 6" high, 6" wide, 14 lbs 
Community: Yellowknife, N.W.T.
Stone: Alabaster
id: tr-1222Abbhjy

The highlight of this suave bear is its mercurial Brazilian soapstone. Our journey begins in the depths of the brown hues which parachutes into a gentle orange tangerine spreading itself along the underbelly of the beast. Commanding our attention, is the  mood of this sculpture which moves from quiet sophistication to joyous pleasure!

Bill Nasogaluak is one of the premier Master carvers of our time.  Unfortunately, in recent years he has limited his carving.  When our gallery does receive one of his carvings, it is always a Masterpiece.  Our clients are always searching for more of his sculptures. The work of Nasogaluak is centre stage and frequently featured in Inuit Art publications.

The last Great Bear to enter our gallery was an emerald green Walking Bear by Nuna Parr.  No other bear has captured my attention until this beauty entered my gallery.

Nasogaluak’s  Walking Bear is perfection.  The stone is exquisite and pure with no veins, incursions or flaws.  The finish of the Brazilian stone is smooth and delicious. The curves and posture of this bear are complex. He carries the weight of his substantial body on three legs.  His fourth leg is frozen in time with only the toes still earthbound.

His facial features have been carved with precision and soulfulness.  His demeanour is serene.

This Masterpiece Walking Bear is so special I photographed him using multiple angles in order to capture his essence.  I just couldn’t decide which photos to use!

Bill Nasogaluak (1953 - )

Bill was born in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. Bill said that his art was influenced by Michelangelo: “He could paint, and he could carve; awesome” (Nasogaluak in Mitchell 1996). As a child, he was painting, carving, and participating in art contests. Since 1992 he is carving full time. Bill was in a 1993 group show in San Francisco with his cousins Abraham Anghik Ruben and Joe Nasogaluak.  

Bill Nasogaluak’s started as a graphic artist, but in recent years he has focussed mostly on carving.

In 2007, Bill Nasogaluak created inukshuk sculptures on behalf of the Government of Canada for public spaces in Guatemala City, and Monterrey, Mexico. He also co-designed the Territorial Mace of the Northwest Territories, which was unveiled in 2000. In 1994, one of Bill's creations was given to Prime Minister Jean Chretien by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

PROUDLY CANADIAN SINCE 2008