Arctic Memories

Rating:
Summary: A vivid view of Inuit life
Review: "Arctic Memories," by Normee Ekoomiak, is a wonderful view of life among one of the indigenous peoples of Canada. The author, Normee Ekoomiak, is one of the Inuit people of northern Quebec. This book contains full-color reproductions of Ekoomiak's paintings and stitched fabric creations. Each piece of visual art is accompanied by an explanatory mini-essay by the artist.

Ekoomiak's vivid art depicts the Inuit people, the natural environment, and the animal life of the Arctic. We see a family in the iglu, polar bears, children playing various games, a family ice fishing, a flock of geese flying, and more. Although most of the artwork is in a fairly realistic mode, there are also some stunning stylized depictions of figures from Inuit folk traditions. One such marvelous piece, for example, depicts a tusked narwhal surrounded by mermaids. An important recurring motif is Okpik, the spirit owl "who sees everything."

The book is presented in a bilingual format: the text appears in both English and Inuktitut (the Inuit language). Inuktitut is written with a striking, almost mathematical-looking type of script which is similar to that used in the Cree language. This appearance of two very different scripts alongside Ekoomiak's fine artwork really enhances the visual appeal of the book. All in all, an excellent book for readers of all ages.

Rating:
Summary: A vivid view of Inuit life
Review: "Arctic Memories," by Normee Ekoomiak, is a wonderful view of life among one of the indigenous peoples of Canada. The author, Normee Ekoomiak, is one of the Inuit people of northern Quebec. This book contains full-color reproductions of Ekoomiak's paintings and stitched fabric creations. Each piece of visual art is accompanied by an explanatory mini-essay by the artist.

Ekoomiak's vivid art depicts the Inuit people, the natural environment, and the animal life of the Arctic. We see a family in the iglu, polar bears, children playing various games, a family ice fishing, a flock of geese flying, and more. Although most of the artwork is in a fairly realistic mode, there are also some stunning stylized depictions of figures from Inuit folk traditions. One such marvelous piece, for example, depicts a tusked narwhal surrounded by mermaids. An important recurring motif is Okpik, the spirit owl "who sees everything."

The book is presented in a bilingual format: the text appears in both English and Inuktitut (the Inuit language). Inuktitut is written with a striking, almost mathematical-looking type of script which is similar to that used in the Cree language. This appearance of two very different scripts alongside Ekoomiak's fine artwork really enhances the visual appeal of the book. All in all, an excellent book for readers of all ages.