Minds On

Let’s get started!

Notice and wonder

What do you notice about the following artwork?

What materials do you think were used to create this artwork?

Action

Get ready, get set…

Annie Pootoogook

In the Minds On, you explored drawings by the Inuk artist Annie Pootoogook.

Annie was born in the Inuit community of Cape Dorset, which is now called Kinngait, in Nunavut.

A photograph of the artist Annie Pootoogook in front of her artwork.

Definitions

Before we begin exploring, let's learn some definitions.

Press the following tabs to access some definitions of some words in this learning activity.

A group of people living in a particular area.

The shared ideas in a group. Culture includes food, language, clothing, tools, music, arts and many other things.

The passing on of customs or beliefs from generation to generation.

A large meal.

Kinngait, Nunavut

Let's explore the following carousel to discover life in Kinngait.

  • What do you notice about Kinngait?

Press ‘Kinngait’ to access more information about Kinngait.

Kinngait is very cold and snowy.

There is summer in Kinngait, but it is not as warm as other places. In summer, people may still have to wear long pants and sweaters

Family and community are important parts of the Inuit culture.

Sharing and helping are important parts of the Inuit culture.

Everyone in the community works together to hunt, fish and trap. They share their food and work together.

Annie Pootoogook's drawings

Annie was an artist who loved to draw and colour.

Annie liked to draw about everyday things that happened in her community, her culture and in her home.

For example:

  • grocery shopping
  • sharing meals
  • playing video games

Drawing #1: Family Taking Supplies Home

Let's explore one of Annie's drawings!

Family Taking Supplies Home by Annie Pootoogook, 2006, reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts

Colour pencil drawing of a family of 3 walking home in winter. 1 adult carries a box. 1 adult and a kid carries bags. They are all wearing coats, mittens and winter boots. There is snow everywhere.

What kinds of materials do you think Annie used?

Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible answer to check your understanding.

Annie used a felt tip pen, a pencil and coloured pencils to create their artwork.

What are the people wearing in the drawing?

Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible answer to check your understanding.

The people in the drawing are wearing thick coats, boots, and mittens.

What is the weather like? How do you know?

Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible answer to check your understanding.

It seems like it is winter where they live. The land around their home is covered with snow.

Go!

Drawing #2: Eating Seal at Home

Let's explore the next drawing.

Colour pencil drawing of a family in their living room sitting cross-legged on the floor carving and eating fresh meat from a seal

Eating Seal at Home by Annie Pootoogook, 2001, reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts

A group of people sitting together cross-legged on the floor of a home. The people are sharing a meal of fresh seal.

What do you notice? Where are the family members sitting?

Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible answer to check your understanding.

The family members are sitting on the floor and sharing a meal together.

Did You Know?

Inuit culture and seal hunting

Did you know that seal hunting is an important tradition and an important part of Inuit culture, tradition and community? Families hunt together and then celebrate with a big feast.

Seals are an important part of the Inuit way of life.

Seal meat gives people energy.

Seal skin can be used for waterproof clothing such as jackets and boots to help stay warm.

What connections can you make between the weather and the environment and Inuit life?

If possible, share your thoughts with a partner or record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Consolidation

Putting it all together

Explore the following drawing and answer the following questions using a method of your choice:

  • What are the people wearing?
  • What are the people doing?
  • Are they indoors or outdoors?
  • This drawing does not have a title. What title would you give it?
Colour pencil drawing of a store checkout. A kid and adult face a cashier, shoppers are in line.

Untitled by Annie Pootoogook, 2006, coloured pencil and ink, 50.8 x 66.2 cm, reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts

Portfolio

Review your learning

In your art portfolio, answer the following questions. You can draw a picture, use words, or create an audio recording with your responses.

  • What materials did Annie Pootoogook use in their artwork?
  • What kinds of ideas does Annie Pootoogook explore in their artwork?
  • What could you teach a partner about what you learned about the Inuit and their daily life?

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.

Now it's your turn!

Using any method of your choice, create an art piece that shares your daily life and/or cultural practices. For example, you might create a drawing, a digital picture, or record a description.

Think about something that you do indoors and something you do outdoors.