Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 02/98) - A carver from the Western Arctic who attended a carving symposium in Cape Dorset says Nunavut is far ahead of the West in terms of preparing for the future.

Bob Kussey says he was the only carver from the West who attended the Oct. 23-25 conference. He also had to spend his own money to get to Iqaluit for the three-day conference.

Kussey felt he had to go, in part because of his connection to the carving community in the East, and because he had the financial resources, as opposed to carvers in the smaller communities who couldn't afford to attend.

"It's important that everyone knows what's going on," he says. "I felt it was important for me to know what was happening so I could tell those who could not attend the conference."

And Kussey's involvement was not just as a casual observer. He was invited to serve as a delegate during the conference, which gave him the opportunity to speak and voice his concerns and ideas. And Kussey's opinions were shared by many others at the symposium.

"When I finished speaking, I was given a standing ovation. I wasn't expecting it, but it will be a moment I will always treasure."

A number of issues, which Northern carvers have been facing for years were discussed, including the effects of poor-quality carvings creating a glut in the market, which has resulted in an economic crisis within the carving industry.

"I've heard stories of buyers being verbally and physically abused by carvers when they don't buy their carvings," says Kussey. "Some carvers don't realize that there is no obligation to buy the carvings."

"It's a business."

The conference in was organized by Goo Arlooktoo, following a growing concern among carvers that the carving industry was in trouble.

Kussey realizes that once Nunavut becomes a reality in April, there will be a number of changes within the world of Northern art -- particularly among carvings.

"The carvers in the West have been riding on the coat tails of the East for a long time now, and soon the eyes of the world will be on Nunavut."

"There will always be a market for fine carvings, and they will continue to sell even when the poor quality work won't."

Kussey's criticism was not solely directed at the carvers, but at the lack of support for the carvers in the North.

"In the States, there's a magazine called Sculptural Review, which provides all kinds of information to the carvers, ranging from where they can buy their tools to upcoming exhibits and contests."

"In Canada, we have the Inuit Art Foundation, which publishes the Inuit Art Quarterly. Instead of providing information to the carvers, it has become a vehicle for the academics, collectors and gallery owners."

Kussey also believes that 1999 will be a pivotal year for the carving industry, not only because the East has been preparing for the changes, but because they have begun to develop a five-year plan for the carving industry in Nunavut.