Born in 1987, Nunavut
Sam is the son of Qiatsuq Qiatsuq and Pitseolak Qiatsuq, making him the nephew of Palaya. Some of the family influence is clearly visible in both his choice of subject
matter as well as the style of carving this young artist has. Sam learned to carve the traditional way, by watching his father carve stone.
Sam carved his first stone at the age of twelve, but it was at the age of seventeen that Sam started to carve seriously. Sam now carves full time to support his family and has been doing so for almost twenty years. He prefers to work in serpentine and antler – materials indigenous to his home.
Sam is a perfectionist and drives himself hard. His work is carefully executed, delicately balanced and has a distinctive style. Sam is one of the up-and-coming young carvers in Cape Dorset today.
