Sharnie is the sister of Pauta, a well-known carver. She was married to the carver and graphic artist, Pudlat Pootoogook (1919 – 1985). Sharni’s daughter, Sarah Putuguk is a printmaker; her adopted son, Elijah Pootookgook, is a carver and graphic artist.
Like many Inuit of her generation, Sharnie was attracted to the graphic arts during the early years of the printmaking program at Cape Dorset. Her work was represented in the 1964/1965 and 1966 print collections and she returns now after a long hiatus, no doubt preoccupied in the ensuring years by the distractions and demands of her growing family. Her work was once again included in last year’s Spring Collection (2000) and we are pleased to release two of her images in this year’s (2001) collection. Both of these images are typical of Sharni’s unique and enduring style which is whimsical and yet graphically bold with a strong sense of design and motif.
Sharni was born in 1922 and is an elderly woman now. She is small and frail and of failing eyesight. Nevertheless, she intends to keep drawing and welcomes the opportunity for further involvement in the Kinngait Studios this year.*
*West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative, 2001.
