Soapstone art

Soapstone figures

 An easily workable stone
In former times soapstone was primarily used in articles for everyday use, such as fishing tackle, soapstone lamps and various domestic utensils such as mess tins and other containers.

Since that time, however, Greenlandic artists have become aware of the accommodating stone with its attractive and varied nuances. Today each soapstone artist has his own style and personal expression and the stone is inspiring an increasing number of young artists to develop their own techniques.

Soapstone as applied art and tupilaks
Soapstone can be worked into reliefs, flat and reclining figures, jewellery, applied art and tupilaks. In fact it can also be used in the visual arts if the artist polishes one side of the stone to a glossy black surface, and cuts light motifs into this surface. A number of artists mix different types of pastel-coloured soapstone and thereby end up with a completely new expression.

Soapstone figures can be exported out of Greenland without restriction and can be bought in all towns at tourist offices and souvenir shops.

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