INNISFAIL – Celebrated Inuit sculptor and multi-media artist Angus Cockney is hosting a presentation and workshop at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on Oct. 28.
Cindy Walker, youth and adult programmer at the Innisfail Public Library, said the morning presentation in the learning centre's Community Room begins at 10:30 a.m. There will be a break for lunch, followed by the artist's workshop that will run until 2:30 p.m. The event is being offered free of charge to any citizen interested, including adults, teens and children.
Born in Tuktoyaktuk, NT in Canada's western Arctic, Cockney spent 13 years in a residential school in Inuvik before heading south to study audio-visual communications. When he finished his studies he returned to the North to create art that reflected his culture, his concern for the environment and his desire to be an educator and spokesperson on behalf of Inuit artists and northern peoples.
In 1989, he was chosen to join the Icewalk expedition to the North Pole as the Canadian member and designated photographer of an international team.
His artistic talents were apparent then, capturing through photography the beauty of ice, snow and unique light patterns. It is a style and experience the artist embraces and continues today through his multi-media presentations, stone sculpture work, and even in his public presentations like the one in Innisfail entitled The IceWalker: Angus Cockney.
“He offers Innisfaillians an expanded perspective of Canadian culture via his own experiences of having grown up in the Northwest Territories,” said Walker. “His life speaks clearly that our unique life journeys holds beautiful potential. Angus models this, expressing and sharing how place contributes to being and becoming.”
Cockney has also dedicated himself, his skills and talents to helping others. The artist, who is based in Canmore, is currently under contract to work with Inuit inmates at Bowden Institution, teaching life and art skills.
“Through his art he is teaching them life skill lessons that requires perseverance, problem solving, patience and connecting with their spirituality,” said Walker, noting his generosity of time and talent also extends to the public workshops. “His motivation is to educate, support, and inspire others to hope and realize the beauty of our northern peoples and lands.”
Citizens who are interested in the presentation and workshop are encouraged to register early for seating and workshop materials. For more information they can contact Walker at 403-227-4407.
Cindy Walker, youth and adult programmer at the Innisfail Public Library
"He offers Innisfaillians an expanded perspective of Canadian culture via his own experiences of having grown up in the Northwest Territories."
