Making art also helped to survive emotionally. Creating artworks depicting the nomadic lifestyle was a way of preserving it in their minds as they had to become acclimatized to a new and alien culture. It was also a way of regaining control over their lives. Every artist became an entrepreneur, quarrying his own stone, fashioning his own tools.

The artists had no romantic notions about art-it was a way to survive, and they accepted the new vocation unquestioningly. The ones less fitted for making sculpture took other jobs whenever possible.

The astonishing fact is that this art, born out of economic necessity, has such evocative power. Its appeal lies in its honesty and stark simplicity. Having focused minds and imaginations not burdened with the redundant images that flood people living in an industrialized world-these were pre-television times-these self-taught artists created images of stunning visual power and archetypal significance-reason for celebration, indeed.

Contemporary Inuit art has made its creators and their culture famous throughout the world. Were it not for the tremendous outpouring of artworks, the Inuit might possibly be just another interesting anthropological footnote in the history of the world's cultures. Memories of life on the land are still fresh, especially for older Inuit, and the past is very much alive in Inuit culture. Although much of the art does dwell on the past for inspiration, it is important to remember that Inuit society is not "frozen in time." Given the spontaneous nature of the art, however, per­haps we may be forgiven if we are occasionally seduced into believing that Inuit continue to live the life that they portray, and often glorify, in their sculptures, graphics and textiles.

While much Inuit art is "about" traditional culture and values, it is also very much an expression of the experiences, values and aesthetics of individual artists who have had to come to grips with profound and rapid change in the second half of the twentieth century. Inuit art is often "autobiographical;" even if specific events are not always depicted, and it reflects the life histories of its makers as well as their artistic talents.

By combining cultural and biographical elements with an appreciation of the communicative power and beauty of individual works, we may begin to truly understand and appreciate the complexity-and the miracle-of Inuit art.