{"id":35,"date":"2016-02-25T14:30:50","date_gmt":"2016-02-25T14:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cusjc.ca\/hocc\/?p=35"},"modified":"2016-02-25T14:30:50","modified_gmt":"2016-02-25T14:30:50","slug":"the-forgotten-artist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/hocc\/2016\/02\/25\/the-forgotten-artist\/","title":{"rendered":"The Forgotten Artist"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Tuqiqki
Tuqiqki Osuitok, 63, is a sculptor from Cape Dorset, Nunavut. Here he is just outside of Rideau Centre, on the corner of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive on February 9, 2016 at approximately 1:00 p.m.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since 2002, Tuqiqki Osuitok has spent the majority of his afternoons panhandling for money for two to three hours each day. Although his favourite spot is outside the Chapters bookstore on Rideau Street and Sussex Drive, he sought refuge under the entrance to the Rideau Centre to protect himself against the harsh winds on a cold February afternoon. Osuitok, 63, has been battling fluctuating stomach ulcers since 1994 due to years of alcohol abuse, which has left him unable for work. As a result, he has been forced to rely on financial assistance from the Ontario Disability Support Program and the money he collects from panhandling to pay for his high rent and hydro bills. \u201cI still drink often. It\u2019s an addiction. I want to quit, but it\u2019s hard,\u201d he said. When he\u2019s not panhandling, Osuitok finds himself carving and sculpting to keep himself busy, a practice that has longsince been a family tradition. \u201cI started sculpting when I was about 13 years old when I would help my dad,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cMy father was well known around the world as a sculptor. I use his name, Osuitok Ipeelee, to promote my work and to become well known.\u201d Osuitok spoke with pride when reflecting on his life as a sculptor. \u201cMy first show was in Ottawa back in 1977 in a gallery on Laurier, but it\u2019s closed now,\u201d he said. \u201cI do have a show in Germany, and my art was travelling all along the Bronx. I have another show in San Francisco, and I have some work in the Winnipeg Art Gallery.\u201d Despite all of his success, Osuitok has not received any sort of payment for his work. \u201cThey never pay me. They\u2019re the ones who make the money,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Author: Aaron Hemens<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Since 2002, Tuqiqki Osuitok has spent the majority of his afternoons panhandling for money for two to three hours each day. Although his favourite spot is outside the Chapters bookstore on Rideau Street and Sussex Drive, he sought refuge under the entrance to the Rideau Centre to protect himself against the harsh winds on a… <\/p>\n

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