Samonie Toonoo
Cape Dorset
(1969 – 2017)
Samonie Toonoo was the son of graphic artists Sheokju and Toonoo, and the youngest brother of renowned Cape Dorset sculptors Oviloo Tunnillie and Jutai Toonoo.
Samonie Toonoo began carving in his early twenties with a focus on realistically depicted wildlife and figures. More recently he tended to express more social issues, giving sculptural shape to more abstract concepts.
Samonie’s figures are unlike any other carver’s work in Cape Dorset, and at times may have a macabre appearance. He often combined several materials in once piece—carving a face from antler, for example. Samonie’s works often had a deeper spiritual meaning, reflecting what he described as a strong connection to a world beyond the here-and-now. He believed that powerful spirits are always here to protect us in need.
Samonie Toonoo’s has exhibited in Canada, the United States, Germany, and Switzerland.
Exhibition information available upon request.