Jomie Aipeelee was born on September 11th, 1963 in Iqaluit on Baffin Island in the Northwest Territories. He has spent most of his life in Iqaluit but has also spent a fair amount of time in Lake Harbour while visiting relatives.

Jomie's father, Seepee Ipeelie - a known carver for his interpretation of the musk ox, originally came from Pangnirtung. Seepee moved to Iqaluit (then known as Frobisher Bay) in 1945. Note that Jomie spells his name differently from his father.

On his fathers side, Jomie comes from a family of artists, namely:

Ennutsiaq - his great grandfather,Nooveya Ipeelie - his grandfather,Seepee Ipeelie - his father

Jomie's mother is Oolooriak, sister to the late Annie Qimerkpiq, artist from Lake Harbour. Annie's husband is Newgilliak Qimerkpiq who is also know for his musk ox carvings.

Jomie completed his education at grade 8 and went to work at the Ministry of Transport as a carpenter. He commenced carving at the age of fifteen but started carving seriously at about 22. Jomie now carves on a full time basis for his regular income.

Jomie comes from a traditional style family background, thus it is important that he spends time out on the land both in winter and summer. He continues the traditional way of life - hunting for Seals, walrus, caribou, ptarmigan and geese.

Jomie has a good carving education from his family and he likes to carve musk ox, as does his father and grandfather. He also likes to carve whales, hawks, polar Bear, Seals, narwhal, ducks, walrus, Inukshuks and hunters. His carvings are very strong and direct.

Compiled by Helen Webster
Copyright Arts Induvik Canada Inc.