Inuksuk Journey: An Artist at the Top of the World

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About Inuksuk Journey: An Artist At The Top Of The World

Product Description Inuksuk Journey is a visually stunning chronicle of Mary Wallace’s summer trip to the Arctic, inspired by her long-held fascination with the ancient Inuit symbol of the inuksuk, or stone marker. Wallace's trek took her through the land in a way few people will ever experience, and her "you-are-there" journal, illustrated with photographs, sketches, and artifacts, includes dramatic encounters with Arctic wildlife, tales of hunting, fishing, and living off the land, and accounts of visiting undisturbed relics of Inuit life dating back thousands of years. Thirteen paintings — each inspired by a different day of the artist's journey — richly depict the region's land, sea, sky, wildlife, and people. The knowledge Wallace gains from her Inuit guides allows deep insight into the various forms of the inuksuk and its many purposes. An engaging, gorgeous mix of travel journal and art book, Inuksuk Journey offers a memorable portrait in words and pictures of one of the world's last remaining true wildernesses. From School Library Journal Grade 5 Up—Nunavut, an Arctic territory in northern Canada, is a cold, open space where inuksuk, piles of stone in the shape of a person used to "mark a family home, welcome guests, guide travelers, and ensure safe passage," are commonly found. Wallace has developed a passion for these ancient messengers, and here she presents a journal of her weeklong trek to Inuksugassait, a place where countless numbers of the stone markers stand. The author expresses awe and respect as she connects with the land. What appeared to be a barren white expanse on day one is soon revealed to be a sacred space that has provided for the people there for thousands of years. Wallace includes personal photos, sketches, and comments that give readers an intimate portrait of life in this place. Over a dozen vibrant oil paintings depicting scenes from her journey are scattered throughout. She relates the necessity of hunting, and tells how a seal can provide clothing, food, and oil for an entire family. Polar bears, caribou, and whales are among the wildlife spotted on the journey. Readers will be fascinated by this firsthand account of true adventure.— Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review ...a lively mix of story and art that convey's [Wallace's] deep love and respect for the land and people of the Arctic. This book will give children a good idea of this part of the country, offering both an introduction and a deeper exploration of Canada's north. Inuksuk Journey is carefully crafted and beautifully told...a fantastic resource for those who wish to understand aspects of life in the north as seen through the eyes of a non-native. Wallace is particularly affecting in her understanding of the transience of life in the Arctic and the intense connection the people have with the land and its wildlife…lavish artwork and expressive text create a landscape for children to wander into and get to know. Seeing the landscape with its towering Inuksuks through her eyes is riveting, as the colors, textures, shapes, and messages come alive and hook the reader to create a personal relationship with the lure of the Arctic and the Inuit...A Canadian treasure delighting audiences of all ages - not to be missed. …personal photos, sketches, and comments give readers an intimate portrait of life in this place…Readers will be fascinated by this firsthand account of true adventure. Highly engaging and inspiring. About the Author MARY WALLACE has spent almost 20 years teaching arts and art education to children and adults. She has written and illustrated over a dozen books for children and has received many awards and nominations, including a National Outdoor Book Award for The Inuksuk Book. She lives in St. Thomas, ON.