It took me three visits to Kinngait to gain the trust of many of the artists. Annie, in particular, was exceedingly evasive and private. She spoke about her drawings in vague terms, often denying that many of the stories were about her own life but rather those of “someone [she] knew.” Sitting quietly in the studio for many hours, having lunch together, going for walks, and being mindful of listening, rather than interpreting her work for her, was a worthwhile exercise for me and, over time, allowed the stories of Annie’s life to be told on her own terms.
Nancy Campbell in “Annie Pootoogook: Cutting Ice” (2017)
