One of my favorite pieces: a carving by Bessie Crow from what used to be Belcher Island. And I would have to look up what its present day name is. This is a carving of a Ptarmigan, done in steatite, a lovely, very light colored stone. To me, it resembles a bit marble, and I guess I now have upset every geologist. But, it has that quality to me. I just love Bessie Crow's pieces, particular her ptarmigan carvings. They are so simple, yet so majestic, sphinx like almost. This particular ptarmigan, that I have held on to for a long time, measures 2.5" x 5.5" x 3.25"
Ok, what to say. Somehow, this carving speaks to me. But I haven't figured out yet how it speaks to me. Images that come to mind: James Dean, Elvis Presley, Punker, Rock and Roll, Grease, you name it. Now the serious stuff. The carving is by George Pilurtut from Kangiqsujuac and the title is straight forward: " Head with snow goggles " It is a serpentine stone measuring 3" x 2" x 3.5" and dates from 2003. Another association I have is Atanarjuat, the Fast Runner. I honestly don't know where the associations come from. Maybe this one is just: " Head with snow goggles " . Period.
This sweetheart is basking in the sun, catching a bit of warmth. It is a lovely ivory carving of a seal on a serpentine base. I don't know much about this carving except that it is signed underneath and is probably from before 1980. The ivory has a lovely old yellowish patina to it which does not show well in the picture. The carving is only 3" x 1.5" x 1"
