Jonasie (Quarqortoq) Faber
Jonasie Quarqortoq (Faber) is an Inuit artist who occupies a unique place in the Inuit culture of Canada. He was born in Julianhaab, Greenland in October, 1944 and moved to Canada when he was 30. In contrast to other Inuit carvers, many of whom remain deeply rooted in their homeland and in their culture, Jonasie has traveled widely and experienced many other cultures while still preserving his Inuit heritage.
As a young boy, the sea fascinated Jonasie and at the age of fifteen he served an apprenticeship on a Danish square rigger, where he learned the rudiments and traditions of sailing the old fashioned way. Later he served on an ice–breaker in the high Arctic. He then attended the civilian Naval Academy in Copenhagen where he received his certificate in deep-sea navigation. For the next four years Jonasie sailed the stormy waters along the coast of Greenland. He became harbormaster.
Eventually, Jonasie left his post as harbormaster and emigrated to Canada with his wife and children. Here, several important factors intervened to change the direction in his life. In Canada, Jonasie soon perceived a growing market for Inuit art and decided to import some pieces from Greenland. Some of these pieces were damaged in transit and Jonasie set about repairing them himself. He soon realized he had a talent not only for repair work but also a remarkable talent for carving. However, getting soapstone at a reasonable cost was a problem. While on a hunting trip, he found his source of stone, and ultimately claimed his own soapstone quarry.
Jonasie incorporates the rhythm and flow of the stone into his carvings. Stalking bears and muskox fascinate him. The Inuit family is a masterfully executed work, as are the Umiak and Shaman and Sedna.
Since his arrival in Canada, Jonasie Faber has become a distinguished artist. His sculptures are found in many galleries as well as the auction houses Waddington’s and Sotheby’s. His works are found in private and public collections in Germany, Denmark, Greenland, Japan, France, Italy, Canada, and the U.S.
Sedna with Bear Drummer
Artist: Jonasie Faber
Medium: Soapstone
Size: 30.5 x 14 x 10 Inches
Code No.: SS1226
Price: $9,500.00
Muskox, Sedna and Umiaq
Artist: Jonasie Faber
Medium: Soapstone
Size: 12.5 x 22 x 8 Inches
Code No.: SS1568
Price: $8,250.00
Sedna and Umiaq
Artist: Jonasie Faber
Medium: Soapstone
Size: 10.5 x 16 x 6 Inches
Code No.: SS1569
Price: $4,500.00
Umiaq & Muskox
Artist: Jonasie (Quarqortoq) Faber
Medium: Soapstone
Size: 16 x 15 x 4 Inches
Code No.: SS1420
Price: $3,800.00
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