The light is still on in the printmaking shops in Cape Dorset. Remember, I was one of the very first people to start drawing – only with pencils. Oh, it was so hard getting coloured pencils in those wonderful years. I remember when I first saw coloured crayons. I think one of the girls got them from the school. They brought a good, unusual smell to our small qamak^[1]. Before I even thought of drawing I used to like the little flowers that grow during the very short summers we have.

I will never forget when a bearded man called Saumik approached me to draw on a piece of paper. My heart started to pound like a heavy rock. I took the papers to my qamak and started marking on the paper with assistance from my love, Johnniebo. When I first started to make a few lines he smiled at me and said “inumn”, which means “I love you”. I just knew inside his heart that he almost cried knowing that I was trying my best to say something on a piece of paper that would bring food to the family. I guess I was thinking of the animals and beautiful flowers that covered our beautiful, untouched land.

I have been working on paper, and sometimes carving for thirty long years. Those days seem a long way away now. It seems like I am running out of thoughts. Our community life has changed so much. When I bring drawings to the Co-op, I often say I’m running out of ideas, but Jimmy keeps telling me not to run out yet, and that there are still thoughts and good ideas that I have not yet come up with.

Pudlo (Pudlat) died this year. He always had different ideas, and drew images that relate to the changing life around him. Mayoreak (Ashoona) still draws of the old way of life. She and Soroseelutu (Ashoona) live a more traditional life out in the camp all year ‘round. Now Simeonie (Kopapik) is the oldest person in the community. He has three prints in the collection. When I look around at who is still drawing, it feels like we are babysitting, waiting for the departed ones to come back. Knowing that they are not coming back, it feels like the light is getting smaller and smaller.

Kavavaow (Mannomee) is one of the younger artists who works hard. I would very much like to tell the younger children growing up that they too have to try hard to work on paper. I think it’s much easier now, because materials are here and you can go for training.

We are happy once again to be able to come up with a collection. We have worked hard with the printmakers, and we have to thank everyone who works on the prints.

That’s all I have to say.
Nakoumik, merci, thank you.

Kenojuak Ashevak, C.C.
July 1993

(First published in Dorset, 1993, Annual Graphics Collection Catalogue)