What a Day!

It was Sunday morning, the sun was shining, the snow was melting, and all was right in my world. The day was just right for a walk to the Byward Market and coffee with a friend at Le Moulin de Province, one of my regular haunts.

I found a table, placed my order, and sat quietly with my blueberry mouse and café au lait, soaking in the atmosphere of the market and indulging in one of my favourite pastimes - people watching. As I sipped my coffee three people entered the café and passed by my table. I did a double take. It couldn't be... could it? I watched as the group walked by, becoming more and more convinced about who I had just seen. Take a chance, Joanie, I said to myself. Go over and say Hello. I quickly grabbed my coat and camera and went in search of the party. Thinking they had passed through into the main shopping area, I walked quickly around the shops. No luck there, so I headed back to Le Province. Yes, sitting at a table next to the window was one of the women that I greatly admire. Now what do I do? Do I dare approach and introduce myself? It took almost a full three minutes for me to build up my courage, but I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed. I walked to the table and nodded acknowledgement to everyone there. "Hello" I said to the woman I understood to be an interpreter, "Pardon me for interrupting, but is this lady Kenojuak?" I nodded to acknowledge the woman sitting next to the window. "Why yes, it is." she replied.

(Image from Wikipedia)

YES! I wanted to shout. I was in the presence of Kenojuak Ashevak - celebrated artist and Companion of the Order of Canada. I was like a teenager meeting her favourite rock star. With much effort I pulled myself together, and through her interpreters, told her how much I admired her work - also mentioning that I was the proud to own one of her signed prints, "Preening Loon", from the the 2007 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection. Kenojuak speaks only Inuktitut, and her interpreters kindly passed on my unabashed praise. One expressed surprise and delight that I had recognized her, and the other (possibly her grandson) was filled with great pride as he told me of her achievements. Needless to say, I was in seventh heaven with this chance encounter.

This talented Canadian Inuit elder was born on the land, October 3, 1927, near Cape Dorset (Qikiqtaaluk) on Baffin Island, and is known the world over for her artistic excellence.

Kenojuak was in town to be presented with yet another award by Michäelle Jeanne. She was one of eight recipients of the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts, honoured for artistic achievement.

Earlier in the week I had read she would be in Ottawa for the presentation, and idly daydreamed about how wonderful it would be to see her. Little did I know that my daydream would be realized, and more. I wasn't at the award ceremony, but the Universe did provide. It led me to the right place at the right time. I am truly honoured to have met this wonderful woman, artist, and elder, and delighted that I could tell her how much I appreciated her great talent.

If you would like to know more about Kenojuak Ashevak and her art, click the following link.

www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/women/002026-502-e.html