A hard lesson in ceramics

KIRSTEN MURPHY

The Matchbox Gallery’s 2002 pottery exhibit may not be the biggest or the oldest art show to roll into Iqaluit. However, the 37-piece display from Rankin Inlet is a step toward viewing art as an accessible and necessary part of everyday living, says gallery director Jim Shirley.

Shirley says art opens doors to learning. And if he gets his way, Nunavummiut will stay in school longer, get better jobs and live longer all because they discover a link between their hands, their minds and their place in the world.

“Art is problem-solving, and when you’re in a problem-solving mode you’re more open to deal with academic subjects,” he says.

The black, white and terra cotta pieces are on display at Nunavut’s legislature until mid-November.

The display at the legislature features the work of Roger Aksadjuak, Pierre Aupilardjuk, John Kurok, Lucy Sanertanut, Yvo Samgushak, Laurent Aksadjuak and Dennis Mannernaluk.

From the simply titled Owl, listed at $300 to the more intricate and highly priced Three Dancing Couples, the ceramic works offer a glazed glimpse into the minds of seven talented Rankin Inlet potters.

“This is a demonstration of the human potential that people are so cynical about now days,” Shirley says.

“These artists are ordinary people you’d find in any community and this is what happens when people are given the right creative environment.”

Shirley describes the collection as a personal, lyrical and narrative display unlike any other sculptural approach.

“We feel our ceramic work represents a new direction for Inuit creativity,” Shirley says.

That direction includes abandoning the assembly-line workload typically associated with mass-produced soapstone polar bears and Inuksuit.

Instead of quantity, the emphasis is on collaborative quality, Shirley says.

“Typically there is too much focus on art as a source of cash. If this keeps up, we’re going to see traditional Northern art replaced with the type of souvenirs you’d find in a gift shop,” he says.

“We need to redefine it as a source of income and elevate it to a higher level so it inspires people. Why do we have all this suicide when we have all the cash running around? Cash is not the solution. What we need is to do more art and display it in the communities where people can see their own capabilities, not put it in a box and ship it to the South,” Shirley says.

Several pieces were snapped up during the exhibit’s launch on Oct. 15. None of the artists were present for the opening.

More than commercial sales, the Matchbox mentality is about combining energy and stability in context of Inuit culture.

“The youth contribute excitement and imagination. The elders bring stability, consistency and a work ethic,” Shirley says.

“We see the arts as playing an important role in facilitating self-learning, self-confidence and contributing to the overall well being and social health of the community.”

Shirley’s goal is to see Matchbox-like galleries spring up throughout Nunavut.

“It’s possible. The resources are out there,” he says.