Born in Yellowknife, NT, and raised in Talurjuaq (Taloyoak), NU, and Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung), NU, Avery Keenainak is a musician, textile artist and designer based in Iqaluit, NU. An accomplished throat-singer and accordion player known for her performances with Juno-nominated band The Jerry Cans, Keenainak is also adept at working with fur, leather and beading to create mitts, bonnets, kamiit, parkas and amautiit.
Keenainak learned to sew from a young age by watching her grandmother, and grew her own sewing practice, developing both hand- and machine-sewing skills. Her experiences working with textiles continue to be informed by lessons imparted by an older generation. “Many of my artistic influences are Elders growing up/from back home,” she explains. “I’ve always wanted to be as able and knowledgeable as them with sewing and processing furs.” [1]
Keenainak’s textile designs often combine fabrics featuring graphic designs with sealskin, leather, and furs, embellished with details like beading or pom poms. “I don’t think I necessarily have a favourite medium,” Keenainak says of her broad-ranging work. “What I like to create is usually based on the time of the year, how I’m feeling and what kind of material I have available at the time.”
As a musician, Keenainak uses her throat-singing as a starting point for experimentation and collaboration in multiple genres, building lush, rhythmic and layered compositions. She has been performing and touring as a vocalist and accordionist for several years, starting as a special guest with The Jerry Cans. She officially joined the Iqlaluit-based, Juno-nominated band in 2019, featuring on their album Echoes (2020). [2] A community of artist peers inspire Keenainak in all aspects of her practice. Among them she lists: “Nancy Mike, Laura Churchill, Natasha Allakariallak, Papatsi Kotierk, Siku Rojas, Julie Alivaktuk, and the list goes on! Musically, I look up to Josh Qaumariaq, Elisapie Isaac, Mary Poisey, Rita Claire Mike-Murphy, Naja P, Ivaana, and again, the list goes on!”
An accomplished performer and textile artist, Keenainak is nonetheless dedicated to continuing to nurture her own artistic growth. As she expands her textile practice, Keenainak aspires to develop her small business and website, further honing her business skills. Connection to other Inuit working in many creative disciplines buoys her practice and fuels her future plans. “I hope to connect with other Inuit artists across Inuit Nunangat and exchange knowledge,” she says.
This Profile was made possible through support from RBC Emerging Artists.