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Eva Kasudluak
2009
Inukjuak Co-operative, Inukjuak, Quebec, Canada

Credits:
Photo: Devora Cascante

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Eva Kasadluak [b. 1962]

"Wall hanging is important to me because it relaxes me and shows who I am. I feel proud of myself whenever I finish one." (interview with Inuit Art Foundation staff in Inukjuak in 2009)

Her story
Eva Kasadluak was born and raised in Quaqtaq. She learned to make wallhangings at a Nunavik Art Workshop in November 2008, organized by the Makivik Corporation. During an interview with Inuit Art Foundation staff in 2009, she recalled how it felt when she started to make her first hanging: "I didn't know what I was going to make. 'What am I going to do? Am I going to be able to do it?' But when I had everything in front of me I sat there and, all of a sudden, those things that I always wanted to do came back and I was able to do it." At the time of the interview, Kasadluak was participating in a women's wall hanging workshop that involves approximately six women from the community who meet to sew in the Family Health Centre for about two hours, typically three times a week. Funding for supplies comes from Avataq Cultural Institute. In 2009, the women were focusing on the creation of hangings depicting Inukjuak's culture and natural surroundings. As well as making art, Kasadluak also offers translation services and operates a sewing business.

Her art
Eva Kasadluak finds inspiration for her wall hangings in nature and in the activities of her community. In particular, she likes showing women from the 1970s wearing amautis, which, she says, "is a beautiful artwork that only we have. I think our parkas should be seen by the whole world" (2009). Occasionally, Kasadluak gives instruction in the making of wall hangings at community workshops and schools. She is encouraged that young people are interested in learning how to do this art. She also made some carvings and dolls.

References
Eva Kasadluak was interviewed by Inuit Art Foundation staff in Inukjuak in 2009.