Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 01/01) - A legendary mermaid swam around Pauloosie Paniloo's head for years. Last month, the mythical creature surfaced as a thousand-pound granite sculpture.

Pauloosie Paniloo drills works on his granite mermaid. - Kirsten Murphy/NNSL photo

"The hands are like shells," Panillo said, noting his carving's scalloped-edged fingertips.

The Iqaluit resident was one six Nunavummiut artists participating in a granite carving symposium earlier this month in Iqaluit. Just up the hill, eight students created frenzy of hammering and sparks in a metal work class.

Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association sponsored both workshops.

Carvers worked outside under blue tarps, stopping frequently for coffee and cigarettes.

"I like this because it's big," Panillo said of his sea creature.

It was the first time participants tackled rocks of such size -- an opportunity designed to push participant's imaginations. Typically, carvers worker with smaller, softer soapstone.

Instructor John McKinnon said granite's availability makes it a practical and an affordable medium in the North. "People can dot the landscape with carvings," he joked.

Sculptor Andrew Raney led the metal class.

"A lot of the material came from the metal dump here. It's like a treasure chest. Basically they're transforming scrap metal into art pieces," Raney said.

Raney's mission was simple: introduce participants to new welding tools and techniques.

"They may not be able to make a living from metal work but they may be able to supplement their income with welding projects," Raney said.

"If one person continues on, we're happy. I think a couple people are hooked."

Cape Dorset artist Kingwatsiak Jaw is known for his soapstone carvings. He broke from tradition by enroling in the metalwork class.

"I wanted to try something different. I'm quite happy with the way things have turned out," Jaw said of his metal seal and mermaid.

Too big to take home or sell in restaurants, the granite carvings remain outside the Arts and Crafts Centre.