Part of the second wave of Baker Lake sculptors, Sevoga gained fame while still in his twenties. By the early 1970s, he was recognized as one of Baker Lake’s leading lights, known for his massive looking yet sensitively portrayed and elegantly poised figures and family groups. The present Family Group is a superb example of his mature style. It is not exceedingly large, but it feels monumental. The compact, elemental nature of the stone is not oppressive because Sevoga modulates its mass beautifully; broad volumes alternate with sensuous curves and surface rhythms. There’s a sturdy delicacy to the work that we greatly admire. One of Sevoga’s tricks is to cut away the stone between the myriad, relatively small feet of the figures, thus creating an unexpected lightness and lift. This work, especially, has an undeniable charm as well. Sevoga’s family groups typically portray three or four figures; here, ten tightly packed figures huddle together. Their faces are surprisingly expressive, and we wonder about the mixed emotions of the various family members. And although eight of the ten face forward expectantly, two children at the back may have other ideas. Brilliant.