Walking Bear Family, c. 1980
by Jonasie Quarqortoq Faber (b. 1944)
Qaqortoq, Greenland
soapstone
3.75” high x 14” long x 2.75” deep
Jonasie Quarqortoq Faber was born in 1944 in Qaqortoq, Greenland. He spent his formative years in a number of villages in southern Greenland. At the age of 10 his family relocated to Denmark. Young Jonasie was very restless and by the age of 15 he followed his heart to the sea on the square rigger Georg Stage. Jonasie would spend the next several years at sea, eventually earning credentials as a Deep Sea Navigator through the Danish Naval Academy.
Jonasie returned to Greenland as a Harbor Master. After two years, again seeking adventure, he set out for a new life in Canada. He arrived in British Columbia in 1974 and established a business importing Greenlandic art. By fortunate accident he discovered that not only did he have an eye for art but also a talent for creating it. Eventually Mr. Faber ceased importing art and began creating and marketing his own.
In need of soapstone and with a heart for adventure, Jonasie went prospecting in his new home land and established a soapstone claim. He educated himself in the properties of the medium and, drawing on his experiences as a boy, transformed raw stone into lively, emotion filled works of art. Jonasie developed his talent. His sculptures are now collected throughout the world including the Royal Danish family. He has had shows in various galleries in North America and Europe and was invited to meet the Danish Queen.
Jonasie had long been fascinated by Vikings and knew of the remains of an historical church in Greenland. He convinced the Greenlandic government of its significance and in 1991 they sent him to Paris where he initiated the process that had the site proclaimed an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mr. Faber found himself in a new role as teacher when he relocated to the Indian Reserve where his soapstone mine is located. He established an Art School and Gallery and the students had a showing in San Fransico. Jonasie moved to Baja California, Mexico for eight months then returned to B.C. in the fall of 1997, settling in Princeton. He began designing a line of silver jewelry featuring dancing bears, inukshuk, ulu and inukshuk snowflakes. While hunting in the area he discovered a significant archaeological site. In conjunction with a team of professionals, he is researching this site.
His Viking interests have led him to hypothesize the existence of North America's first Christian Church at L'anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and speculate on the significance to North America of the Beothuk expulsion of the Scandinavians in 1003. Jonas keeps active with his art, hunting, discoveries and adventures. He has traveled to 34 countries including all continents except Antarctica and is fluent in 3 languages. His art is a reflection of his rich life experiences, Inuit heritage and colorful, jovial personality.
