Falcon in Flight, c. 1990
by Saila Kipanek (1948-2022)
Cape Dorset, Nunavut Territory, Canada
serpentine
14” high x 7” wide x 3.5” deep
Saila Kipanek was born August 28, 1948 in a camp near Cape Dorset, Nunavut Territory, Canada where his father and grandfather were born.
At an early age, his mother died and he and his sister were adopted by Kipanek of Lake Harbour, NT. After living in and around Lake Harbour his family moved to Iqaluit (Frobisher Bay). As with Inuit customs, he remained in contact with his natural father and stepmother Pauta and Pitaloosie Saila of Cape Dorset.
Saila was the first to design a falcon in one solid piece from the base up. He prefers his work to include solid bases. In 1993, Saila was the recipient of a Canada Council grant for a series of 6 sculptures titled Earth, Air and Water; A Fragile Link.
Saila Kipanek passed away on March 25, 2022 in Iqaluit, Nunavut Territory, Canada. Before passing from complications of cancer, Saila established a traditional stone carving room in the Ottowa Hospital Cancer Center where he was being treated. He wanted to create a space for patients like him, who had traveled thousands of miles away from the arctic for treatment, to feel connected to their culture in a healing and spiritual environment.
Saila Kipanek passed away on March 25, 2022 in Iqaluit, Nunavut Territory, Canada. Before passing from complications of cancer, Saila established a traditional stone carving room in the Ottowa Hospital Cancer Center where he was being treated. He wanted to create a space for patients like him, who had traveled thousands of miles away from the arctic for treatment, to feel connected to their culture in a healing and spiritual environment.
