Monday, April 2, 2007

Due to the details of organizing an engagement, time constraints and Al's schedule, the artists talk has been postponed to another date and venue to be announced. Thank you to all who have responded with interest.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is too bad about the speaking engagement. I was looking forward to it, schedule permitting.

Anonymous said...

your death, a big loss for all of us. we will allways remember you Alootook. It was a pleasure to know you as a friend. in Memory claudio

Anonymous said...

You weren't much of a "dad" to me during your lifetime. For that, I feel sad. Not for myself, as I have let go of you and the notion that you'd become part of my life years ago. I feel sad on your part, for having not taken the time to get to know your own daughter. If anything, I am angry, with me. I am angry with myself for having not said the things that I needed to say to you, to get off of my shoulders. Things that I will now, never have the opportunity to ever say to you.

This may come off bitter, and mean or heartless...but I still, somewhere buried deep within, loved you. Regardless of our relationship, or lack thereof. Goodbye.

Your daughter,
Taina L. Ipellie

Anonymous said...

My name is Jen MacIntyre and I'm a videographer in Montreal. I spoke to Alootook shortly before he died about curating an exhibit of his artwork in Montreal, about which he was enthusiastic. Now that he has passed I'm working on a short documentary about him and his work. I'm looking for stories, photos or anything that could help piece together an accurate portrait. His work was extraordinary and should be shared with future generations. As for the man, I know he had a complicated life and would be grateful for the assistance of those who knew him in creating a full spectrum portrait. Please email me at haikugreen@gmail.com. Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

Jen,

I agree that Alootook's work should be preserved. I have a number of Alootook's articles, letters and cartoons. I have emailed you.

Taina,

I have a copy of a poem your Dad wrote about you, as well as letters and an interview where he talked about how much he loved you. He once wrote: "It's never too late, ey?" But I guess maybe now it is. If you want copies, please email me: kmc@uow.edu.au

Sincerely and in sympathy,
Kimberley McMahon-Coleman

Mudhooks said...

I only just heard of Al's death... I didn't know him well and hadn't spoken to him for many years but thought of him many times. I would see him from the bus, walking someplace, and just didn't run into him in person...

So sorry not to have been able to speak to him in all these years.

Anneke

Anonymous said...

I have several of Al's original Ice Box cartoons (they were displayed at one time in the National Library) that I am thinking of selling. Most people in the States (where I am now) don't understand them, and besides, I think they belong in Canada. Get in touch with me if interested.
Joe Johnston, Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Anonymous said...

Taina,
I am so sorry to be only reading your comments now.
I knew your father since the early 80's. We became friends who managed to get together 3 or 4 times a year for long talks.
It was sometimes a strained friendship, as he made me angry with his dependence on alcohol.
Please know that you were always on his mind which is little consolation to you I know.
He often spoke of his lack of anything to offer you, and that he waited for the right time to develop a relationship with you, misguided as this was there was no convincing him otherwise. Your father was a complicated man, and exceedingly stubborn.
I miss him,and feel frustration at his loss. I have the cover drawing to Artic Nightmares so your dad's face is ever present in our lives.

I wish you and your family the very best in the future.

Ann H,
ahutcha@aol.com

Annie said...

I just discovered that Joseph Boyden, Canadian First Nations writer, remembered Alootook in the print copy of a lecture he gave in Edmonton, Alberta. His dedication to Alootook was this:

"Ever big wings you had. You're soaring now."

May it be so. Always. And may these words give some small comfort to those in need.

Starleigh Grass said...

Alootook, I just read Arctic Dreams and Nightmares and it was enchanting. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I lived with Alootook from 1980 - 1984. During that period of time we created a National Film Board filmstrip called Toonik Tyme, An Inuit Spring Festival. I also illustrated Alootook's Special Issue of Inuit Today Magazine covering the first Conference held in Iqualuit.
He was a very talented man and was driven to be the voice of our Northern peoples. I will always admire and respect his work.
I have bitter-sweet memories of Al. He was yet another aboriginal victim of alcoholism, and in the end days of his life I believe he wanted to escape the trap that alcohol had created.
I don't blame him for anything he did -- as he was beyond reasoning by that time. His legacy will live on as a testament to Alootook's work and the life he never shared.

Sharron Pretty said...

I have two pieces of Alootook's art for sale. One is a numbered limited edition called "My Grandfather's Legacy." The second piece is an framed original line drawing used for the cover of "Paper Stays Put" by Jan Andrews. You may contact me at sharpret@gmail.com.

Unknown said...

Ahey Hello, I am Myriah and I met Alootook in Ottawa the year before he passed. My aipak was friends with him and I came along to the art shows and such. Al was very talented, kind, and his images held mysticism. Rest in Paradise Al. I have an ink drawing that Alootook did just before he passed. My aipak wanted to get an Arctic Hare tattoo and Al loved the idea so he drew up an image for us. I am hoping to sell it now. Unframed,Untitled, image of 3 Arctic Hares, 4" by 17" on thick board.
email mamyriah@gmail.com for inquiries
Qujanamiik(Thank you)