Jerry is currently living with his c/l wife and stepdaughter in Iqaluit, he was born on January 25,1961 and raised by his late father Ben Ell and his mother Marie who still resides in Iqaluit. He was educated in Iqaluit and as a young teenager was influenced by several artists over the years primarily by Henry Evaluadjuk, Tommy Takpanie sr., Nook Newkinga, Seepee and Noviya Ipeelie.
During the summer months working with these artists and his father quarrying for soapstone Jerry was exposed to several different artistic styles and enjoyed the priviledge of having advice from a wide variety of artists through the sale of soapstone at home in Iqaluit. The main influence from all these artists was the quality of workbeing produced, theme, balance and finish. These values are translated into the work that Jerry produces in several different media such as glass, bone, soapstone and granite. With his life experience of hunting and living off the land,education and experience as an executive officer Jerry combines the traditional and modern concepts of Inuit culture into his work. Jerry first started carving at the age of 12 and has continued over the years with some years more than other. He has carved full time from 1990 to 1993 and more recently from 2003 to today.
