Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 12/00) - Philip Ugjuk of Rankin Inlet creates his art in a silent world.

Like many of his fellow artists, Ugjuk expresses himself through his work and has dreams of achieving artistic brilliance.

But unlike most of his peers, Ugjuk will never actually hear his work criticized or praised -- he's hearing impaired.

However, the talented artist is not about to let his physical condition darken his dreams.

Now a third-year jewelry/metalwork student at Nunavut Arctic College's Rankin Inlet campus, Ugjuk recently received a helping hand in achieving his goals.

A trip to the local post office on Dec. 22 paid big dividends when Ugjuk received a $3,000 cheque from the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Fund for the 1999-2000 academic year.

"I was so surprised and happy when I received that money," says Ugjuk.

"I want to use it to buy my own tools for making jewelry."

Those who do not know Ugjuk may think he requires a lot of help in his class because he is hearing- impaired.

Although allowances are made for communication purposes, when it comes to making art, Ugjuk is the first to offer assistance to his fellow students.

"I sometimes help other students with their drawing or design work. I enjoy that because I used to work at the Matchbox Gallery. Jim Shirley taught me how to do ceramic pottery, draw and sketch.

"I got my first job there in 1991 and it made me so happy to learn so much from him about drawing and design."

Ugjuk's work has become so popular that he has trouble keeping up with the demand.

"I do the best I can for those who ask me but sometimes I'm too busy to make everybody's."

He travelled to Montreal last May to attend a jewelry exhibit and has his sights set on Vancouver this year.

"I had so much fun on the trip to Montreal last year. It was something very special."

An ironic choice of words considering "something very special" is the same description most people offer when talking about Ugjuk's efforts and his work.