Toonoo Sharky

Born June 5, 1970, Toonoo is the son of the late carver Josephee Sharky and Ragee Killiktee, who carves once in a while. "My younger brothers, Napachie and Alasua are also carving", says Toonoo. He lives with Mary Saila, and they have an adopted child.

"I was influenced by my grandfather Kopapik Ragee, and also by Shorty Killiktee. The first carving I did was at the age of ten. I think it was a bird or a seal." Toonoo has been carving ever since and it has been his only source of income. He likes to carve in serpentine and marble. "I like the colours and also the textures of both stones. When I'm starting on a piece of stone, I like to slowly work on the piece until the shape starts forming into a shape I can recognize. Sometimes I just go by the shape of the stone. My favourite subjects are bird figures with human faces."

Toonoo's favourite pastimes are carving, hunting, watching television and spending time with his family. He would also like put together a collection of his carvings in the near future for his own solo exhibition.