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What are you at? This is it: Soapstone carving

When Angus Andersen takes his soapstone carving to a busy street in St. John’s, he finds himself answering a lot of questions about Labrador life and culture.

Angus Andersen enjoys carving soapstone in his driveway on a busy St. John's street

Inuit art

8 years ago
Duration 3:11
Soapstone carver Angus Andersen shows off his work.

When Angus Andersen takes his soapstone carving outdoors to his driveway on busy Freshwater Road in St. John's, he finds himself answering a lot of questions from passersby about Labrador life and culture.

"A lot of people aren't sure about Labrador culture, or Labrador, or the Labrador Inuit," said Andersen.

"Labradorians passing by always say, 'Labrador!'"

Andersen said he enjoys talking to people about Labrador, Inuit life, and his soapstone carvings.

He said he has been carving since the late 1990s, and the art connects him with his family and his culture.

"It takes me back to my childhood, watching my grandfather carve," said Andersen.

Angus Andersen works on a soapstone carving in his driveway on a busy St. John's street. (Heather Barrett/CBC)

"It's relaxing, and of course, nice weather, it's good to be outside."

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You can hear What are you at? This is it Saturdays on Weekend AM from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Labrador) on CBC Radio One.