Kavik lived for decades in Utkuhiksalingmiut territory near Chantrey Inlet well north of Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake) – he was a childhood friend of Luke Anguhadluq – and was relocated there before settling in Rankin Inlet. He regularly visited family and friends in Baker Lake including his daughter the celebrated textile artist Naomi Ityi, and often carved there while “on vacation.” Kavik carved Waving Man in the stone favoured by Baker Lake sculptors at the time. It was no doubt harder than that which he normally used, but it polished well and lends this fine sculpture – one that is pure Kavik in its ruggedness and stance – a soupçon of elegance.

References: For a large Mother and Child, by the artist, formerly in the Wagonfeld collection, see Survival: Inuit Art, (Loveland, CO: Loveland Museum Gallery, 2004), p. 98, and Walker’s Auctions, Inuit Art: Masterpieces from the Wagonfeld Collection, (May 2016, Lot 26). For the section on John Kavik in Norman Zepp, Pure Vision: The Keewatin Spirit, (Regina: Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery, 1986), see pages 108-119. For an appreciation of the artist and his work see Stanley Zazelenchuk, “Kavik: The Man and the Artist” in Arts & Culture of the North, (Vol. IV, No. 2 Spring 1980), pp. 219-221. For the stunning Father and Son Wearing Snow Goggles, see First Arts, 4 Dec. 2023, Lot 45.