“Words will never do his carvings justice.” So state the jurors of the National Aboriginal Awards on the work of Ohito Ashoona. “Only when you behold the tenderness between a mother polar bear and her cub as created by Ashoona’s hands and mind, or watch cold serpentine stone evoke the warmth and caring this artist has watched and then brought forth from his Arctic home and culture, can his skill truly be felt.” Students in this course are introduced to the skills and techniques of soapstone sculpting under the direction of Ashoona. This course offers participants first-hand experience in soapstone carving, a rare opportunity to learn traditional techniques from this respected carver. Participants will each carve variations on a seal basking on the ice or standing stones known as an Inuksuk, both reflections of Inuit cultural identity. Your materials fee covers two 4-5 lb pieces of asbestos-free soapstone to work on.