While shamanic imagery is common in much of Inuit art, the hand in this work is sheet metal, not a traditional material such as walrus ivory, the antler's of caribou or soapstone.

Fellow Inuvialuk artist Floyd Kuptana learned sculpting techniques as an apprentice to David Ruben.

Early in his career, he was interested in Rodin and his casting techniques and visited Paris to study the work of the French artist.

[7] In 1996, Piqtoukin re-examined his cultural dislocation caused by residential school in Between Two Worlds: Sculpture by David Ruben Piqtoukun, an exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) in Manitoba.

[8] The Winnipeg Art Gallery also organized Out of Tradition: Abraham Anghik / David Ruben Piqtoukun: a retrospective exhibition, curated by Darlene Wight.