A lifetime of creating
Rankin artist intends to produce art as long as his body allows
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
RANKIN INLET
Rankin Inlet artisan Noah Tiktak puts a bit of himself into every piece of art he creates.
Artisan Noah Tiktak of Rankin Inlet displays some of his jewelry creations in various stages of completion in Rankin this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
Now in his 50s, Tiktak fondly remembers watching his father produce art when he was 10 years old. He began producing intricate work when he took part in the first jewelry course offered by Nunavut Arctic College in Rankin in 1998.
The multi-talented artist also produces traditional drums out of maple hardwood, drum dances, does videography and photography and is heavily involved in music. Tiktak said he loves anything to do with art and is always up for trying new things.
He said he enjoyed taking part in the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Festival this past month in Rankin, which he found inspiring.
"I found learning how to set up your own art shop online very interesting, so I was heavily involved with that workshop," said Tiktak. "It's a great way to promote your art, and people can make purchases using money orders, Visa or Paypal.
"You, pretty much, have to have an online presence these days."
Tiktak insulated a small shack that came with his house purchase in 1998 to use as a working studio. He said he manages to get by in the shack, but it's less than ideal.
"It's really hard to work in there during the coldest months of the year.
"I've tried a wood stove, Coleman stove, kerosene heater and an electric baseboard heater and it's just too hard.
"I'd probably have to live in the shack if I kept using an electric heater because it's so expensive.
"I'd love to have a nice, warm, spacious studio where I could work and produce art 24/7 all year long."
Tiktak said he'll keep producing art as long as his eyes and fingers allow him to. He said like many others in the Kivalliq, he grew up in an artistic family and art runs in his blood.
"I picked it up from my father when he was still around.
"I sold my first piece for $1 when I was about 10 years old, and I thought I was the richest kid in the world.
"It was just a small scrap my father had sawed from one of his carvings and wasn't going to use.
"Here I am all these years later producing and selling my own, and I plan to keep creating art as long as I'm able to do so."
