Where could I buy (possibly traveling) an Inuit Bear Sculpture

February 8, 2013 8:45 PM

I visited Quebec City last summer and saw a gorgeous art gallery displaying some large (1.5-2' long) bear sculptures out of serpentine by Inuit artisans from Baffin Island. I loved them. I really like to buy art from artists or artists collectives rather than from an art gallery. How can I do that?

Barring traveling to Baffin island, any recommendations on how and who to buy from if I'm looking to buy directly from an Inuit artist or an artists' collective? If traveling to Baffin island is the way things are done, tell me details on that too if you've done it! Thanks for any input.

posted by stewiethegreat to Media & Arts (3 answers total)

If you travel and stay in most Inuit communities in Nunavut, you can buy directly from the artist, in fact they will find you so you will have many opportunities to buy sculptures or other art. Check out this link to take a trip to Nunavut and
have a look at the Arts and Culture link on this web page from Nunavut Tourism for purchasing a sculpture if you can't make a trip.
posted by Snazzy67 at 9:48 PM on February 8, 2013 [1 favorite]

Dorset Fine Arts is the Toronto marketing office of a Cape Dorset based Inuit artists coop. Might be a good place to start.
posted by bluefrog at 9:43 AM on February 9, 2013

I purchased a few pieces while staying in Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake, Nunavut. (Amazing places to visit, ideally not in late spring though.) I then saw similar pieces in a gallery in Vancouver, B.C. for many, many times the price. Personally, if I had the funds, I'd go to Nunavut, so that my money went to those communities, so I met the artists, and so that I could see the communities and get a better sense of the inspiration for the art. I admire you for taking these things into consideration, and I'll remember to contact you if I do encounter an Inuit artists cooperative.

Also see this site. They don't sell pieces online, but they may be able to connect you with someone who can help you.
posted by Capri at 6:18 PM on February 9, 2013