Salamonie Shaa

Inuit Native Artist Salamonie Shaa from Cape Dorset

Cape Dorset

Born in 1995, Salamonie (Samonie, Saimonie) is proving to be a promising young artist. He began carving at the age of 9. The oldest of his siblings, Salamonie has watched and learned from his maternal grandfather Axangayuk Shaa and his father Isacie Petaulassie. When Salamonie began carving, he started with inukshuks for 7 years, and has been carving bears for about 3 years. Salamonie worked with Malittuk Akesuk and Qavavau Shaa at times when he began carving. They taught him how to make inukshuks and showed him ways to improve the details of his carvings. Salamonie regularly helps Isacie by filing and sanding his carvings. Salamonie is an excellent sander and his father feels he is the best at finishing a piece. He spends time with his dad and his grandfather observing, helping and asking questions and his style is a result of these influences.

Before Salamonie begins carving, he envisions what he would like to make based on the shape of the stone. He finds making dancing bears the easiest, though he has also experimented with making seals and a small jet with wheels 3 years ago. His work has fluidity and movement; it is amazing how quickly he was able to learn how to carve polar bears. He admires the work of his father and grandfather, who have inspired him to pursue a carving career. He hopes to further his career by selling more carvings and improving his skills.

*courtesy Cape Dorset Inuit Art

Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)

Present Works

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Past Works

The artist’s Past Works at our Gallery have now sold; however, a custom order may be possible if the artist is available and accepting commissions.