GN should help supply soapstone to artists

Soapstone is the lifeblood of a large number of Inuit artists. Without soapstone, many people will be unable to make a living, and families will suffer when the steady flow of cash ceases.

Hundreds of Inuit make their living carving. It is the only industry that makes up the economic base for most communities in Nunavut. Many talented and renowned artists have achieved world recognition with their marvelous art. Without a steady supply of good quality stone, they can’t make a living.

In my nearly 50 years as a resident of Iqaluit, I have heard countless arguments over the issue of stone for the artists. In the late 1950s, Ottawa did ship tons of stone to Iqaluit, although it was a soft grey material, not really suitable for carving. At least they recognized the importance of stone to keep people off welfare.

What is needed now is a policy by this fledgling government to support the Inuit artist in a practical and sensible manner, to make it easier for sculptors to access a steady supply of stone.

I am not suggesting a free hand-out.

Currently, a private entrepreneur who owns a vessel makes voyages in the summer to mine soapstone. Without his commitment to the artists, the situation would be much worse. He sells the stone at a reasonable price, which covers his costs and a little profit. In many cases, he grubstakes those who don’t have the cash to pay up front. He is obliged to carry a huge inventory all year and supports a lot of people.

Surely, a joint venture between the private sector and the government is needed to help subsidize the cost of gathering the stone. The current price for stone is about $2.50 a pound. Much of the stone is lost in the carving process, so this makes for an expensive commodity.

Some thought should be given to the question of marketing the finished products. As we know, the artists, for the most part, are obliged to hawk their wares door-to-door. A facility is needed where artists could carve and sell their work in a sheltered environment. Many are forced to sit outside at 20 below with the wind howling. Producing a work of art in those conditions is very difficult.

These local artists are not organized. They are not vocal and they don’t lobby the Nunavut government. I believe they do have a legitimate cause and should be considered as an important asset. Their work is renowned throughout the world, and the Government of Nunavut must acknowledge their importance.

Bryan Pearson
Iqaluit