An Artist at the Top of the World
by
Ages 9+
Hardcover: 64pp | 9 x 11 inches | $24.95
ISBN: 978-1-897349-26-7 (US $24.95)
Inuksuk Journey chronicles author and artist Mary Wallace’s summer trip to the Arctic, inspired by her long-held fascination with the ancient Inuit symbol of the inuksuk.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The image of an inuksuk—stones placed in the shape of a person—has become a familiar sight in many parts of Canada and the USA. But artist Mary Wallace takes us far beyond what we already know in this rich exploration of the inuksuk, Inuit culture, and the Far North.
Inuksuk Journey is the page-turning and visually stunning chronicle of Mary’s summer trip to the Arctic, inspired by her long-held fascination with the ancient Inuit symbol of the inuksuk. An engaging mix of travel journal and gorgeous artbook, Inuksuk Journey combines the best of travel writing with breathtaking paintings showcased in large format across the pages of this book.
Mary’s journey takes her onto the land in a way most of us will never experience first-hand. Her “you-are-there” journal, lavishly illustrated with photographs, sketches, and artifacts, includes encounters with Arctic wildlife, hunting, fishing, and living off the land, and visiting undisturbed relics of Inuit life dating back thousands of years. The knowledge she gains from her Inuit guides allows deep insight into the various forms of the inuksuk and its many purposes. Readers are offered an amazing view of the geography, people, and culture of the Far North, both ancient and modern.
And because this is a journey taken by an artist, it’s through the eyes of a painter that we can visually interpret this trip to a faraway place. Each trip day that Mary experienced inspired striking paintings of the land, sea, sky, wildlife, and the people and culture of the Arctic. There are 13 of these in the book, one for each day of the journey. Her joyous painting of the Lady of the Sky interprets the mountain and skyscape as the personification of an ancient legend told to her by a guide. Her spellbinding experience with three polar bears that swim alongside her boat transforms into a majestic painting that perfectly captures the moment. A moving excursion to Inuksugassait, “place of many inuksuit,” inspires a painting that celebrates the culture, land, and colors of the Arctic in all their glorious splendor.
Inuksuk Journey is a book that will find a place on the shelves and coffee-tables of readers of all ages, those interested in Inuit life and culture, and those drawn to Mary’s stupendous artistic depictions of the inuksuk in all its forms.
REVIEWS:
CM Magazine
"Inuksuk Journey is carefully crafted and beautifully told...a fantastic resource for those who wish to understand aspects of life in the north as seen through the eyes of a non-native."
School Library Journal
“…personal photos, sketches, and comments give readers an intimate portrait of life in this place…Readers will be fascinated by this firsthand account of true adventure.”
Resource Links
"Seeing the landscape with its towering Inuksuks through her eyes is riveting, as the colors, textures, shapes, and messages come alive and hook the reader to create a personal relationship with the lure of the Arctic and the Inuit...A Canadian treasure delighting audiences of all ages - not to be missed."
Canadian Children's Book News
"...a lively mix of story and art that convey's [Wallace's] deep love and respect for the land and people of the Arctic. This book will give children a good idea of this part of the country, offering both an introduction and a deeper exploration of Canada's north."
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