Native Art Gallery


Walking Bear

Walking Bear

Artist: Noah Kelly

Community: Cape Dorset

Medium: Soapstone

Dimensions (in): W4.0 x H 12.0 x D5.0

Reference: 106815


Regular price $1,250.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $1,250.00 CAD
Sale Sold

Polar Bear, Nanuq, called the "King of the North", is the greatest predator of the Arctic and a powerfully respected animal.  He is the one animal that is at home both on land and water.  He is built for his environment and has no troubles surviving the long, harsh winters. The polar bears of Nunavut tend to be solitary creatures, generally travelling alone in the winter. When you see two bears together, they are most likely siblings who have learned to hunt together with utmost success.

Some Inuit believe that how we live our lives affects what we become in the afterlife. Apparently, the best reward for a life-well-lived is to return in the form of the polar bear.  This is because the ‘King of the Arctic’, as he is endearingly called, is strong enough to survive the long, cold winters.

This piece is carved in honour of the animal itself; it celebrates the polar bear, his spirit, his strength, and his legend.  May he always be a source of inspiration.

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Noah Kelly

Noah Kelly is a contemporary Indigenous artist from Australia, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking works that reflect his heritage and personal experiences. He is a member of the Yolŋu people from the Northern Territory, a group with a rich cultural tradition that deeply influences his art.

Kelly's work often integrates traditional Yolŋu art techniques with modern styles, creating pieces that explore themes of identity, culture, and environmental connection. His artistic practice includes painting, sculpture, and mixed media, blending symbolism and contemporary aesthetics to engage audiences with Indigenous perspectives.

In addition to his studio work, Noah Kelly is active in promoting Indigenous art and culture through exhibitions, workshops, and community projects. His contributions extend beyond the canvas, aiming to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Yolŋu traditions and contemporary Indigenous issues.