First day with your new feet, Courtesy Spirit Wrestler Gallery

Inuit artist Michael Massie has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest honour. A sculptor and silversmith from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, Massie told the CBC he was so surprised to be appointed that he first thought the call today from the Governor-General’s office was a prank.

21st century A.D. teapot, silver, mahogany, 7×9.25×7.5″

Surfing the Wave teapot, silver, teak, bone, 5.75×10.5×2″

“It’s flabbergasting, actually, to be honoured with something like this,” he said.  Massie has received particular renown for his innovative teapots, which combine themes and symbols from his native Inuit culture with European traditions. All his work is a reflection of his mixed Inuit, Métis and Scottish heritage. Here’s a look.at some of it. (Images: Courtesy Spirit Wrestler Gallery.)

Shaman in Plaid, anhydrite, bone, ebony, lignum vitae, mahogany, olivewood, copper, 7×9×6″

Shaman in Plaid, detail

High Tide, anhydrite, bone, ebony, mahogany, paudauk and brass. 9×5.5×2″

Always Last: serpentine, bone, ebony, mahogany, copper. 3.25 × 4 × 2.5″

We Seek the Same Quest, anhydrite, bone, ebony, mahogany, lignum vitae, silver, 8.25×18×7″

See the full scope of Michael Massie’s work at Spirit Wrestler Gallery, here.

Michael Massie at the National Gallery of Canada, here.

This is #31 in the series 150 Artists.