Born in 1967
Sii Ashoona is an Inuk carver from Kinngait, Nunavut
Sii Ashoona is a fourth-generation Inuit sculptor from the renowned Ashoona family. Raised in an artistic environment alongside Shuvinai Ashoona, Goota Ashoona and Napachie Ashoona, he was immersed in the world of art from an early age, inheriting a deep respect for tradition and cultural storytelling.
Sii Ashoona is widely recognized for his ability to bring stone to life, creating sculptures that capture both strength and movement. His work often explores traditional Inuit themes, featuring dancing animals, shamans, and Sedna, the goddess of the sea. Through his art, he continues to honor the rich beliefs and narratives of his ancestors while incorporating his own distinctive style.
He primarily sculpts in serpentine, a hard metamorphic stone native to Baffin Island, known for its smooth, jade-like texture. The stone varies in color from pale green to deep brown and black, which Sii skillfully utilizes to enhance the forms and expressions of his pieces, giving them a unique and striking presence.
Respected for both his technical mastery and dedication to tradition, Sii Ashoona remains a significant figure in Inuit art. His works are collected and exhibited across Canada and internationally, contributing to the ongoing legacy of the Ashoona artistic dynasty.
Most recently, Sii Ashoona’s work was featured in Montreal’s La Guilde exhibition, Ashoona: Enduring Art Stories (February-July 2022), which showcased the work of 23 artists from four generations of the Ashoona family.
