Leo Napayok

Leo Napayok (born 1961) is an Inuit sculptor and ceramic artist originally from Salliq (Coral Harbour), Nunavut, and later based in Kangiqliniq (Rankin Inlet). Raised in an artistic family, he began his creative practice early in life, learning traditional carving techniques from his parents using materials such as stone, caribou antler, ivory, and whalebone. His subject matter frequently draws upon traditional northern activities, including hunting, fishing, and regional wildlife.

Upon relocating to Kangiqliniq, Napayok expanded his practice into ceramics through the Matchbox Gallery workshop under the instruction of Jim Shirley. He developed a distinctive technique of incising detailed bas-relief carvings directly onto the clay surfaces of hand-built vessels and sculptural forms, often working collaboratively with fellow studio ceramicists who prepared the ceramic bases. His technique involves carving figures into the clay without preliminary drawings, allowing each form to guide the placement of the next.

Over his career, Napayok has participated in collaborative art initiatives with other Arctic and contemporary artists, contributing to major touring exhibitions across Canada. His ceramic and sculptural works are represented in the permanent collections of public institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and the Gardiner Museum in Toronto.