Listed Artist Gerard Tsonakwa Abstract Mixed-Media Soapstone Sculpture (1984)

Details

Description

This hand-carved soapstone sculpture features a striking geometric form, likened to a polar bear and its reflection on ice, has … Read more This hand-carved soapstone sculpture features a striking geometric form, likened to a polar bear and its reflection on ice, has a distinctive dual-aperture silhouette. Sourced from an estate auction in Minneapolis, the 1984 piece is by the celebrated Abenaki (First Nations) listed artist Gerard Tsonakwa (b. 1943).

Tsonakwa heavily favored indigenous materials from Quebec and the Northeast, frequently choosing regional grey soapstone/steatite for his massive or complex, fluid shapes.

This detailed mixed-media studio sculpture is crafted from a natural soapstone matrix, showcasing an organic design that is fully finished and displayable on both sides. He hand-carved the soapstone to create the illusion of intricate tile inlays, meticulously accented throughout with real inlaid white milk glass beads. One side features two central, polished tiger's eye cabochons that catch the light beautifully, while the reverse side is inset with a complementary pair of rich green stones, likely jade or serpentine. It is a highly tactile, sophisticated statement piece that balances raw, earthy stone textures with smooth, polished gemstone details.

The underside has the artist's signature, date and origin.

Tsonakwa’s sculptures and mixed-media works are held in prestigious permanent collections, including the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, Chicago's Field Museum, and the American Indian Archaeological Institute, along with numerous private and corporate collections.

Dimensions
Height: 9.75 in.
Width: 9.25 in.
Depth: 4.5 in.

Condition
Good original condition. The soft soapstone matrix shows minimal, expected cosmetic chips and scuffs consistent with age. Notably, the piece features a tight, professional structural repair within the stone that is completely stable and blends into the natural texture under normal lighting. See less