Jacob Irkok’s sculpture is distinguished by its realism, a quality that set him apart from many of his Arviat contemporaries. This naturalism earned the admiration of his peers, who recognized the singularity of his approach. Irkok achieved this effect through an economy of line, rendering form with remarkable precision and restraint. Caribou were among his most frequent subjects, and his portrayals of them in the act of swimming are especially celebrated. These works carry a sense of calm movement, their beauty resting in a subtle grace that feels both observed and deeply understood.