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Who is Kuzy Curley? Soapstone Artist Feature
Who is Kuzy Curley?
An accomplished sculptor, curator, director and filmmaker from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Koomuatuk (Kuzy) Curley has put an incredible amount of effort into making a name for himself in Kinngait’s artistic community and across Canada.
Curley combines his remarkable technical skill with depictions of northern animals, Inuit ways of living and legends to create a captivating illustration of his culture and background.
He also seeks to create a bridge between the past and present through his art, which not only offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the Inuit but the challenges and struggles faced by their community as well.
A Family of Artists
Coming from a family of skilled carvers, it was no surprise that young Koomuatuk (Kuzy) Curley showed incredible potential at an early age.
During the summers he spent with his grandparents, Qaaqa Ashoona and Mayoureak Ashoona, at their outpost camp Kuzy picked up the art of carving and continues to hone his skills to the present day.
By kick starting his professional career while in junior high school, Kuzy Curley carried on the family’s legacy and took his place as the third generation carver of his family.
Kuzy embraces the Ashoona family’s creative legacy through his carvings, which are crafted in various scales and use a variety of materials including jade, ivory, serpentine, whalebone, and marble.
Career Accomplishments and Recent Projects
There are many great accomplishments by Kuzy Curley that are worth mentioning, with several works that can be visited around Canada today.
Nearly a decade ago, Kuzy collaborated with Bill Nasogaluak on a commission by The Government of Canada for the creation of an Inukshuk, which was given as a gift from the people of Canada to the people of India.
In the same year, he went on to become the head sculptor for the creation of a gift for the Inuit Circumpolar Council and directed his first film, Kiawak Ashoona, which was screened at the 19th Inuit Studies Conference.
Kuzy’s work has also been featured in multiple exhibitions across Canada, with the most recent exhibition called “Stories from the Outpost” which is taking place June 10th, 2023 - June 30th, 2023 at the Inuit Gallery in Vancouver, BC.
Make a One-of-a-Kind Piece Your Own
At Made In Canada Gifts, we’re lucky to be able to carry some of Kuzy Curley’s incredible soapstone artwork. We strive to cultivate a truly one-of-a kind selection of some of the best soapstone carvings from talented Inuit artists across Canada.
Make sure to pay us a visit at one of our stores or browse our online store and take home your own unique carving today.
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