Pitseolak Qimirpik

(1986- ) | Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Pitseolak Qimirpik was born on July 26th, 1986 in Nunavut.   As a child Pitseolak would go out camping and hunting, living on the land during spring and summer with his family.  Pits’ grandfather Qimirpik produced some carvings and drawings over his lifetime.  His uncle Allashua Atsiaq carved as did his cousin Noo Atsiaq.

The biggest influence for Pitseolak has been his father Kellypalik Qimirpik. Pits likes his father’s dancing musk ox carvings the best and would help his father and mother with filing and sanding his dad’s carvings. Pits career started at the age of 14 as he continued to work with his father. Pitseolak always welcomed feedback from his father and used his critiques to become a better carver.  Kellypalik has had a major influence on Pits’ carving style and themes.  Kellypalik passed away, due to cancer.

Pitseolak lives and work in Cape Dorset where he continues to honour the legacy of his father with his own work.

Kellypallik is well known for his dancing sculptures and Pits likes his father’s dancing musk ox carvings the best.  Pitseolak would help his father and mother with filing and sanding his dad’s carvings.  Kellypalik went to Polar North in Montreal for a while to carve when Pits was younger.  Pitseolak was also in Montreal at that time donating bone marrow for one of his biological siblings, a sister who was adopted out.  While he was in Montreal he would spend time watching his Dad carve at Polar North.  Pits made an ashtray there from soapstone there when he was 11 years old.  Back in Cape Dorset, Pits continued to observe and help his Dad and carved a seal when he was 14.  Pitseolak used to carve with his cousin Noo when they were both 14 years old and learning together.  Pits finished grade 12 and worked as a cashier for 2 weeks and chose to be a full time carver like his Dad.  Pitseolak welcomes feedback from his father and uses his critiques to become a better carver.  Kellypalik has had a major influence on Pits’ carving style and themes.

Pitseolak was very close with Kellypalik and escorted his father to cancer treatment in Ottawa during the last year of his Kellypalik’s life.  His mom, Ningeorapik, who had also been his dad’s escort passed away from cancer while in Ottawa.  During this time, Pitseolak was not carving.  When he returned home, he continued to care for his dad until Kellypalik’s death.  Pits began carving in Cape Dorset again and continues to honour the legacy of his father with his own work.