Snowdrift (Nov 15/04) - Lutsel K'e elder John Catholique estimates he has carved about 2,000 pieces of art over the years.

But he doesn't have even one to show at his own home.

"I don't keep them," he explains.

Instead, he says there are many examples of his work around Lutsel K'e and he can go look at them if he wants.

Lutsel K'e carver John Catholique has some of his carvings on display in one of the community offices. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Catholique sells his work at various places, including at offices in Yellowknife.

"I go there about every two months," he said.

Some work is also sold in Hay River and Enterprise.

Making a living

Catholique, now 66, has been carving for 50 years or more.

"I started just to play, making paddles and little boats," he said. "Then I started to do some animals."

Catholique has also worked as a cook at forestry camps and mines.

He says he has largely made his living as a carver since he was 20.

He said he tried creating carvings when he was younger, but "I made good ones when I was 20. That's when I started selling them."

Learned by watching

Catholique learned how to carve by watching other craftspeople.

Some of his favourite carvings are of birds, bears and dog teams, among other things.

His work is created in moose and caribou antlers, soapstone and wood, which he picks up along the road and as driftwood from Great Slave Lake.

"I like to do it. That's my hobby," he said. "It's not to get bored."

Some of his work sells for $300 to $500, he said, explaining many people find that price range a bargain.

"They find carvings in the stores cost lots more," he said.

Catholique has not carved since this past summer, when one of his eyes became irritated by dust as he carved stone.

The irritated eye is better now after medical treatment and he intends to start carving again in the spring.