MORRIS ALORUT (1963 - )

Morris Alorut was born at the Hall beach outpost camp in 1963. His father was a hunter and his grandfather was a whaler from England. Today he is an established artist who started carving when he was thirteen years old. Morris was raised among artists and states that he learned to carve "by watching an elder from the window." He sites his brother-in-law, Henry Evaluardjuk, director of the Iqaluit high school art program, as his primary teacher.

His style combines intricate detail and intercarving with traditional subjects, which are often imaginatively presented. Diamond cutting machinery, polishing by hand, and various grades of sanding paper are employed in the artist's working method. Alorut's preferred material is the native serpentine stone of the Arctic, specifically Quebec black stone, because it allows him to achieve the high polished carvings that are characteristic of his style.

His sculptures are powerful images, which align with the intense spirituality of the artist. Alorut states, " I look at the stone from the inside, I see the face, the work piece comes from the stone."

Television has opened new worlds for Morris. The subject matter of his sculptures is primarily derived from the myths and legends of his Inuit culture, much of which he has learned through documentaries addressing Inuit issues. For instance, the CBC documentary about the legend of Nuliajuk, the Inuit goddess known as Sedna, inspired a number of his sculptures.

Alorut currently lives in Toronto. His recent works have an intended message of portraying the troubles he sees in the world, wars, violence and suffering of innocent people.

In recent years, Morris has taken to working with his son, Adam, an emerging artist in his own right. The interaction between these two creative minds has given rise to truly unique and powerful works of art. 

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