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Artist Kenojuak Ashevak was born in 1927 on Canada's Baffin Island at an Inuit camp called Ikirisaq. Her unique and celebrated artwork was shaped by her formative years living off the land, hunting, fishing, and making her own weapons, clothes, and igloos. These cultural experiences can be seen in Kenojuak Ashevak animal drawings for sale, and in her portrayals of Inuit people and their traditions. Her work was an important stepping stone in promoting Inuit art and gaining international recognition for her people and their way of life.
Initially focusing on stone sculptures and sealskin appliqués, artist Kenojuak Ashevak later became very interested in drawing. Her pieces were normally created spontaneously without preliminary sketches, and illustrator Kenojuak Ashevak used the static images in her drawings to focus on texture and color. Embrace the beauty nature has to offer with many artists' display of contemporary animal drawings available at Invaluable.
Kenojuak Ashevak (Inuit, 1927-2013). Lithograph on paper titled "Attentive Birds" depicting a flock of seabirds looking to the right, 1992. Syllabics in plate along the lower left; pencil titled along the lower left; inscribed "lithograph," numbered 46/50, and inscribed "Dorset 1992" along the lower center; signed in English and syllabics along the lower right.
Revere Auctions14" x 12" Floral Passage, 2007 Framed Picture by Kenojuak Ashevak Dorothy Francis was born in Dinsmore, Saskatchewan in 1923. A childhood passion for drawing and painting developed into a full time career as an artist, whose work is now in demand throughout the world. Francis moved to North Vancouver in 1952, where she attended the Vancouver Art School. She works mostly with acrylics on canvas or hardboard, using many washes to achieve the brilliant colour which characerizes her paintings. She is best known for her portraits of the Inuit people, whom she has studied extensively, to ensure that details in dress and artifacts are correct. Her compositions radiate a light-hearted happiness and often feature children. In 1993, Francis was awarded the Commemorative Medal for 125th Anniversary of Canadian Federation, and in 1998 her support of the Arts and the Qualicum Beach community was recognised with the re-naming of the “Mini Gallery” at The Old School House Gallery to the “Dorothy Francis Gallery”. Cultural Background: Saskatchewan, Canadian Frame Colour: White Total Dimensions: 14" x 12" View Photos For Further Details.
Weatherham Estate Treasures14" x 12" Owl's Bouquet, 2007 Framed Picture by Kenojuak Ashevak Like many Inuit artists, Kenojuak Ashevak has spent most of her life living on the land in a manner not unlike that of her ancestors. She was born at the south Baffin Island camp of Ikirisaq, and grew up travelling from camp to camp on south Buffin and in Canada’s Eastern Arctic. Kenojuak first began experimenting with drawing and stone carving in the late 1950s. Her early work appeared in the Cape Dorset Annual Graphics Collections, launching a career that would include numerous national and international commissions, special projects and exhibitions. Her life and art have been the subject of a film produced by the National Film Board of Canada, and a book entitled “Graphic Arts of the Inuit: Kenojuak”, published in 1981. Kenojuak Ashevak has been accorded many honours for her achievements. She received the Order of Canada in 1967, and was subsequently elevated to Companion of the Order. In 1993, Kenojuak was awarded Honourary Degrees from both Queen’s University and the University of Toronto. Cultural Background: Inuit from Ikirasaq, southern coast of Baffin Island (in Arctic Ocean of Northern Canada) Frame Colour: White Total Dimensions: 14" x 12" View Photos For Further Details.
Weatherham Estate TreasuresKenojuak Ashevak (1927-2013) "Spirit of the Raven," 1979 Stonecut and stencil in colors on paper Edition: 4/50 Signed, titled, dated, numbered, and inscribed in pencil along the lower edge; and with the artist's device lower right
John Moran AuctioneersKenojuak Ashevak (Inuit, 1927-2013) Owl and Animal Images Stonecut in color; apparently in good condition. Framed.* Signed Kenojuak in English and Inuktitut and numbered 18/50 in graphite l.r., located Dorset and dated 1966 l.c., and titled l.l.
Weschler'sKENOJUAK ASHEVAK (INUIT, 1927-2013) "BRIGHT OWL", color etching, pencil signed, numbered 23/50, titled, and dated in lower margin. Housed under glass in an old frame. Dated 1967. 6 3/4" x 8 1/2" sight, 12" x 13 1/4" OA.
Jeffrey S. Evans & AssociatesAshevak, Kenojuak (1927-2013) The owl surveys all (1983) Description: Stonecut on paper, 9/50, signed and dated on lower right Kenojuak 1983 Dimension (PO): 23" x 30 3/4" Dimension (CM): 58 x 78 cm Condition report: Upon request, We will gladly answer all your inquiries in a detailed manner.
Champagne AuctionsAshevak, Kenojuak (1927-2013) Seamaids and owl (1980) Description: Stonecut on paper, 15/50, signed and dated on lower right Kenojuak 1980 Dimension (PO): 23" x 26" Dimension (CM): 58 x 66 cm Condition report: Upon request, We will gladly answer all your inquiries in a detailed manner.
Champagne AuctionsKenojuak Ashevak's drawings and prints incorporate stylized symbols of Inuit culture and folklore. A noted pioneer in Modern Inuit art, her work has been reproduced on Canadian postage stamps and currency. (source: Artnet)
Palm Beach Modern AuctionsWoman who lives in the sun. 12 1/2" by 15 1/2" framed.
Davis Brothers AuctionAshevak, Kenojuak (1927-2013) Bird in transformation Description: Stone, signed in syllabics. R.C.A. Dimension (PO): 18 1/2" x 14" x 6" Dimension (CM): 47.0 x 35.6 x 15.2 cm Condition report: Upon request, We will gladly answer all your inquiries in a detailed manner.
Champagne AuctionsOhotaq Mikkigak (1936-2014, Inuit) "Purple Owl," 1999 Stonecut in colors on laid Japanese paper Printer's proof from the edition of unknown size Signed, titled, dated and variously inscribed in pencil in the lower margin; with an unidentified red and black ink stamp in the lower margin, at right Image: 15" H x 20.75" W; Sheet: 20" H x 28" W
John Moran AuctioneersKenojuak Ashevak (1927-2013, Inuit) "Tulugaq Nunavummi," 1999 Stonecut in colors on paper under Plexiglas An artist's proof aside from the edition of unknown size Signed in both English and Inuktitut, titled, dated and inscribed, all in pencil in the lower margin: Kenojuak Image: 19.25" H x 24.5" W approx.; Sheet: 24.5" H x 35.25" W Notes: This lot accompanied by a book: Ansgar Walk, "Kenojuak" (Ontario, Canada: Penumbra Press, 1999), inscribed by the author.
John Moran AuctioneersKenojuak Ashevak, Cape Dorset Carried Away, lithograph, #22/50 signed and dated 2007. 21 1/2 x 28 in. (54.6 x 71.1 cm)
Maynards Fine Art & AntiquesKenojuak Ashevak, C.C., R.C.A. Inuit, Cape Dorset/Kinngait, (1927-2013), a felt tip drawing on paper under glass, bird with outstretched wings, signed in syllabics lower right. paper size: height 19 3/4in, width 26in For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
BonhamsA Kenojuak Ashevak, C.C., R.C.A. Inuit, Cape Dorset/Kinngait, (1927-2013), 'Guardian Owl,' 1997, etching and aquatint under glass, edition 20 of 100, dated and signed lower right in Roman and in syllabics, numbered lower center, titled and inscribed lower left. image size: height 21in, width 29 1/2in For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
BonhamsKenojuak Ashevak, C.C., R.C.A. Inuit, Cape Dorset/Kinngait, (1927-2013), 'Audacious Owl,' 1993, stonecut and stencil on paper under Plexiglas, edition 72/100, signed lower right in syllabics and Roman, numbered lower center, titled lower left, some toning to the paper. paper size: height 24 1/4in, width 29in For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
BonhamsKenojuak Ashevak, C.C., R.C.A. Cape Dorset/Kinngait, (1927-2013), 'Dream,' 1963, stonecut on paper under glass, edition 49/50, inscribed in syllabics and numbered lower left, signed in syllabics and dated lower right. sight: height 20 1/2in, width 25 1/2in For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams- ASHEVAK, Kenojuak (Inuit, Canadian 1927 - 2013). Owl of the Sea, 1977. Stonecut in colours, signed in pencil 'Kenojuak', numbered '122/200', titled, inscribed with technique, location and date 'Stonecut Dorset 1977' (lower margin), printed by Timothy Ottochie, stamped with the printer's chop and the Cape Dorset igloo chop (upper right), with the blindstamp of the Canadian Eskimo Arts Council (lower right); framed under passe-partout behind glass by Heijdenrik. Unexamined out of the frame, paper browned with two foxing spots in the upper margin, otherwise apparently in good condition.
Adams Amsterdam AuctionsKenojuak Ashevak (Inuit, 1927-2013) Ravens' Chorus, 2002 Stonecut on Kozo cha paper ed. 45 of 50 Signed in pencil Kenojuak, lower right Printed by Qiatsuq Niviaqsi with their signature and stamp, lower right. Titled, lower left. Dated, lower right.
Larsen Art AuctionKenojuak Ashevak (Canadian/Inuit, 1927 - 2013) Timmiaruqsimajug, 2002 etching and aquatint, edition 38 of 50 Publisher and printer's chop marks lower left signed lower right: Kenojuak [Inuktitut syllabics] titled and medium lower left: Timmiaruqsimajug - Etching & Aquatint editioned and dated lower center: 38 / 50 - Dorset 2002 19 x 25 in. (48.26 x 63.50 cm.), Frame: 34 1/4 x 39 7/8 x 7/8 in. (87 x 101.28 x 2.22 cm.)
Santa Fe Art AuctionKENOJUAK ASHEVAK, C.C., R.C.A. (1927-2013), ᑭᓄᔭᐊ ᐊᓯᕗ, CAPE DORSET / KINNGAIT TWO RAVENS stonecut, 1968, 43/50 20 x 25 in — 50.8 x 63.5 cm Provenance: Private Collection, Toronto, ON Estimate: $1,000—1,500
Waddington'sKENOJUAK ASHEVAK, C.C., R.C.A. (1927-2013), ᑭᓄᔭᐊ ᐊᓯᕗ, CAPE DORSET / KINNGAIT BIRDS OVER THE SUN stencil, 1960, 37/50 13 x 20 in — 33 x 50.8 cm Provenance: Private Collection, Toronto, ON Estimate: $4,000—6,000
Waddington'sKENOJUAK ASHEVAK, C.C., R.C.A. (1927-2013), ᑭᓄᔭᐊ ᐊᓯᕗ, CAPE DORSET / KINNGAIT THE ENCHANTED OWL stonecut, 1960, 12/50 24 x 26 in — 61 x 66 cm Provenance: The Estate of Lassy Malowany, British Columbia Note: Kenojuak Ashevak lived nomadically between Baffin Island and Northern Quebec (Nunavik) in the traditional Inuit way. She learned to craft, often using the sinew of caribou and sealskin, from her maternal grandmother. Ashevak devoted more time to creating art after meeting with collector James Houston and his wife Alma. Houston recalls that she was hesitant to draw because she felt that she did not possess the required skills and that drawing itself was the occupation of men. Nevertheless, she prepared numerous drawings in pencil upon their next meeting. With the assistance of the Houstons, Ashevak produced her first print in 1958. Less than two years later, she created this seminal work, The Enchanted Owl, which remains among her most recognizable and beloved. The animal seemingly explodes in a plume of shimmering feathers while it acknowledges the presence of the viewer. Its wondrously dynamic movement animates the composition while suggesting that the owl is caught in a moment of profound metamorphosis, perhaps from the physical plane into the spiritual world. Owls feature prominently in Inuit oral histories and some communities look upon them as cyphers of wisdom. The Enchanted Owl is typical of Ashevak’s early work and its capacious use of negative and positive space; moreover, the work’s meticulous patterning and pulsating contrasts of colour are heightened by the quality of her linework. In 1970, the Canada postal administration included the print on their 1970 stamp to commemorate the centennial of the Northwest Territories. This contributed to the work becoming one of the most iconic images from Canada. Ultimately, The Enchanted Owl impacted Ashevak in ways we may never know as it was the only print she hung in her Kinngait home. Matthew Ryan Smith, Ph.D., is the Curator and Head of Collections at Glenhyrst Art Gallery in Brantford, Ontario. Estimate: $100,000—120,000
Waddington's