NWT Arts

Louie’s journey as an artist began about 30 years ago, when he stepped in to help printmakers meet their deadlines. He learned primarily through observation. His mother, Mabel, was one of his mentors, along with his aunt and uncle, all respected artists who contributed to the annual Holman Print Collection. Art was deeply rooted in his family.

It took time for him to realize that he wanted to become an artist. As he learned, he practiced diligently and steadily improved his skills. He was drawn to printmaking because it helped preserve the traditional Inuit way of life and culture. Through his work, he believed that culture could remain alive.

Louie created stencil prints, woodblock prints, stonecuts, lithographs, and carvings. He especially appreciated the stonecut method, despite the demanding process of flattening and smoothing limestone, transferring images and textures, and preparing it for printing. Adding colour required carving separate stones for each layer, which made the process even more complex. For this reason, he often chose stencilling as a more accessible way to incorporate colour into his work.

Many of his pieces told stories, often depicting animals, people, and birds. Among his favourite subjects was the polar bear, which he especially loved to print because of his personal experiences. He had encountered many polar bears throughout his life, including the first one he caught in 1976 at the age of 16, during his first hunting trip with his father. Having spent many years hunting, he developed a deep understanding of the animals he portrayed.

Although it might have been some time before Ulukhaktok produced another collection, Louie remained committed to his art. He continued creating prints and even considered producing his own collection. Over the years, he sold many of his works—more recently through individual orders, with some going to the print shop, but most finding homes with people beyond his community.

Louie’s work continues to reflect his dedication to his craft, his lived experience, and his deep commitment to preserving and sharing Inuit culture.