Artist Info
Sarah Nastapoka
Sarah Nastapoka is a sculptor from Inukjuak (Port Harrison), QC. Born in 1925, Nastapoka began sculpting at the age of fifteen, creating ashtrays, lamps, seals, and whales. Eventually, Nastapoka worked with her husband, Abraham Nastapoka, a fellow sculptor, and often asked her husband to sign her works in his name since she could only sign in syllabics. This was a common practice in Inukjuak, particularly when husbands and fathers traded the sculptures done by their wives or daughters.
Art remained a constant in Nastapoka’s life through adulthood. In the mid-1970s, Nastapoka and her son Davidee Nastapoka set up a private carving studio near the Inukjuak River. The two would spend time creating pieces for the Co-operative and mailing out orders received from the South. Nastapoka also sewed dolls, wove baskets, and was active in the larger art community, helping to co-found the Avataq Cultural Institute with Mary Amidlak. Nastapoka often worked with her husband on carvings together and Nastapoka’s other son, Johnny Nastapoka and daughter Geela Nastapoka also became artists.
Nastapoka’s works are included in collections throughout Canada. They have not yet been exhibited at the ULAG.
