This chapter features an interview with artist Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona. It is a minute long.

Hi Gayle, what is the inspiration or story behind your work in Drawing on Our History?

I chose to share a personal reflection of my identity in my works for Drawing on Our History. Figuring out my place in the world has taken a lot of work. I wanted to show that even though I’m “half Inuk and half white” the people I identify with and who have also claimed me back are Inuit. I live in the duality of being an Inuit person and also being “half”.

Why do you choose to use of Inuktitut in some of the titles of your work?

I choose Inuktitut words for the titles of some of my works and English for others to represent my background in the middle of two cultures and my language learning journey. Friends and family help me name the Inuktitut pieces: teaching me and bringing me closer to those people.

Why are you drawn towards being an artist?

I like the idea of sharing my experiences and finding connections with other people. I think art gives my life deeper meaning and fulfillment. Also, my brain is constantly busy with creative projects and I’m the type of person who needs to keep their hands busy.

Go to the next chapter to hear the curatorial label for Kabloona’s work.