December 23, 2007 I have known Alec for almost fifteen years, and through several stages of his life that have led to Alec the artist.  Anyone who has spent time with Alec would describe him as humorous, easy going and a comfort to be around. Those of us fortunate enough to be his friends have also known deeper characteristics that we now see in his art. Alec does not judge, but never ceases to observe; he understands all our motivations, but chooses the good in everyone. Among his strongest qualities are profound respect and empathy -- for other people, for nature, for Inuit tradition, and for the North. The technical skill and talent we now see in his carving are derived at least partially from the patience, discipline and wisdom his friends have always seen. As any true artist, Alec works with universal themes; through refined yet bold sculptures, infused with the vitality and freedom of the North, Alec exposes what lies just below the surface in each of our own lives, no matter how far south we might find ourselves. My wife and I commissioned a sculpture from Alec when we got married, and shortly after moving from Canada to New York.  He captured a period for us in a way that we were not able to directly articulate ourselves. The perspective this sculpture provided us is more valuable than any photo album, and we will cherish it forever. Andrew Smith, PhD NY, NY December 16, 2007   I would like to offer a testimonial for Alec.    I have over the years collected several Inuit carvings.  While not being able to afford the collection I would like, I have been forced to collect pieces which I believe are exceptional.  One of those is an alabaster polar bear by Alec which sits proudly on my home office desk.  I have been struck by his use of materials and creativity.  He dares to venture from the traditional and each piece tells its own story with a special meaning and relationship to his heritage and culture.  In addition to the raw beauty of his pieces, one can quickly see the attention to detail and power in his carvings.    Congratulations - keep up the good work - and I expect to see you recognized as one of Canada's preeminent Inuit carvers.  Best of luck for continued success. Steve Wace Oakville, Ontario, Canada December 14, 2007   Walking up King Street in Saint John, I looked in the window of the ECHOES shop and was blown away to see 'Listen' sitting on a pedestal.  It is a strong and powerful beluga emerging from the water.  I inquired about the artist and was told he lived in Fredericton - a newspaper article was on the counter with Alec's photograph and it was surprising to see such a young man with such obvious and unique talent.  We eventually met and I'm fortunate to own several pieces of his work.  He designed the 'bear cub' ivory earrings to match his polar bear pendant and they are real treasures.  His works are spiritual in nature, bold in design and each conveys a story of our land, its people and animals.  However, we must also heed his warnings of environmental shifts and the dangers we all face as the climate changes.  It is my prediction that Alec is one of Canada's most significant emerging artists and it is a pleasure to know him.   Heather Gray Saint John, NB, Canada December 2, 2007 Alec Lawson Tucatuck is one of the most innovative Inuit sculptors working today. He brings diverse Inuit legends to life by conceiving entirely original interpretations that are fresh and bold. Alec has a promising future as he continues to create, innovate and develop his unique style of storytelling. His strong work ethic will help him to continue on this path for many years. I look forward to seeing his next creation as well as sculptures that will emerge ten to thirty years from now. David Shultz Gallery Director Home & Away Gallery Kennebubnkport, ME USA November 30, 2007   I started out wanting a swimming polar bear.  Alec's web-site showed his currently available carvings and his sold pieces.  There was my vision of a swimming polar bear, but it was sold.  So I called Alec - what a pleasant and genial young artist to talk to.  I asked if he could carve my bear.  I didn't want one exactly like the sold one.  Alec said that he wanted to experience the challenge and pleasure as an artist of creating the new bear, so we spent a lot of time discussing our ideas.  So Alec proceeded to work, and I was given the full option to not accept the piece if it was not as I envisioned.  Within two weeks Alec e-mailed photos of the completed bear.  It was perfect - this was my swimming bear. OK, so now I wanted a polar bear getting ready to pounce at a seal breathing hole (total new idea - not a carving on his web-site).  I again talked to Alec and he presented a variety of sketches.  So I approved the one I liked.  Alec gets especially excited about creating new work for someone.  Well this time MY concept didn't please ME, although Alec had carved a beautiful bear.  There was no problem with my "rejection" (Alec did sell the carving shortly thereafter).  Immediately we discussed another bear/breathing hole concept - much more adventurous and complex that, perhaps, I was afraid to discuss the first time around.  I sent Alec various book and magazine photos, with a few of my comments about elements to hopefully consider incorporating in the piece.  Alec went off for about three weeks to think.  When we spoke again Alec was very excited that he had solved the challenges in creating this carving, and with his infectious enthusiasm, I said to proceed.  Well, when I saw the photos of the finished piece it was beautiful and a perfect representation of our ideas.  A polar bear with his head and neck underwater, plunged through a shattered breathing hole, gripping a seal in his jaws.  Needless to say, it's now in my home. Recently, I just purchased my third carving by Alec.  It wasn't a commissioned piece, but it was a bear pose from the photos I had earlier sent to him.  It was a great pose and I had noted so to him - apparently he thought so too and developed it into the carving.  Being the caring artist that he is, he e-mailed me that he had created the bear we both loved.  I purchased it on-line at his website without him knowing, and when he found out, he e-mailed to say that he was glad that it was me that purchased the bear and to thank me. Any dealings you may have with Alec will be very pleasant.  He listens well, offers ideas, is very obliging, is sincere, and is articulate.  His design thoughts will be a part of your carving and you should embrace them.  He would be very enthusiastic about your carving.  The quality of his work is excellent - no question.  I recommend Alec very highly - you will not be disappointed in any way.   Norm Rusinow CLEVELAND, OHIO USA November 28th, 2007   I have worked with Indian Affairs for over 25 years. I have formerly worked with Alec when he was a summer student. When it came time to receive a gift for 25 years with the Department I wanted to get something that would have extra meaning for me and that was having something from an artist that I knew. When Alec first sent his website I was amazed by the quality of his work but that was nothing like the finished piece that I have on my desk to admire. Every ripple of the bear's fur can be seen along with the muscles in his body. Even his cute little tail can be seen along with the delineation of his face- his eyes nose and mouth and his little ears. He is truly an amazing animal and I shall treasure this for many years to come.   Anastasia Sweeney Pride and Recognition Coordinator Indian and Northern Affairs Canada