Patrick Nayokpuk, Inupiaq, was born in the village of Shishmaref, Alaska. Shishmaref is well known for its Inupiaq carving. Patrick, like other local carvers, uses whalebone and walrus ivory, either found or from subsistence hunting, to create sculptures that capture the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Inupiaq people.

Shishmaref residents rely heavily on a subsistence lifestyle including hunting and gathering much of their food. Primary food sources include sea mammals such as oogruk (bearded seal), other seals, and walrus, fish, birds (such as ptarmigan), caribou and moose.

Over the years, Patrick has developed his own style. His whalebone carvings are accented with inlays of walrus ivory and baleen.