www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com (Part VI)

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Otavnik Vs Vadas SC 07-51428-00
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© 1969 Norval Morrisseau
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I, DONNA SHEA, of the City of Oshawa, the Region of Durham, in the Province of Ontario
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DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE THAT
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1. I am the Vice President of Randy Potter Auctioneer Ltd. known as Randy Potter Estate Auction and formerly known as Kahn Auction.
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2. Mr. Donald Robinson* frequently attended auctions during the timeframe between late 1999 and early 2000. He both purchased and bid on numerous paintings by Norval Morrisseau.
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3. Mr. Donald Robinson made a number of attempts to discover the source and contact name of the Norval Morrisseau paintings being auctioned at Kahn Auctions during this timeframe.
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4. Mr. Donald Robinson was concerned about the number of Norval Morrisseau paintings being sold at Kahn Auctions and cautioned us to slow down the number of paintings being sold as he could not sell them as quickly in his gallery.
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AND I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath and by virtue of the Canada Evidence Act.
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DATED this 11th day of March, 2005
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Signed
/DONNA SHEA/
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Source: www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com
----------/Additional Filings by the Plaintiff/
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* - one of the founders of the Kinsman Robinson Galleries /Principal Morrisseau dealer - Representing Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007) and his artwork over the last nineteen years./
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- The paintings in this posting: "Untitled", 55"x19" ea., © 1969 Norval Morrisseau

www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com (Part V)

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Otavnik Vs Vadas SC 07-51428-00
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© 1969 Norval Morrisseau
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I, RANDY POTTER, of the City of Oshawa, the Region of Durham, in the Province of Ontario
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DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE THAT
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1. I am the President of Randy Potter Auctioneer Ltd. known as Randy Potter Estate Auction and formerly known as Kahn Auction.
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2. Mr. Donald Robinson of Kinsman Robinson Galleries*, encouraged people to buy Norval Morrisseau paintings at Kahn Auctions in the timeframe between late 1999 and early 2000.
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3. Mr. Donald Robinson successfully purchased 28 lots of paintings in the amount of $53,238.73 including GST during the timeframe between late 1999 and early 2000 (see attached schedule "A” for the receipts from Kahn Auctions showing the Norval Morrisseau paintings sold to Mr. Donald Robinson).
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4. Mr. Donald Robinson was unsuccessful in his bid to obtain 40 to 60 lots of Norval Morrisseau’s paintings being sold at Kahn Auctions in the timeframe between late 1999 and early 2000.
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5. Mr. Donald Robinson has never returned or attempted to return any of the Norval Morrisseau’s paintings he purchased from my auction and later implied were fake in the May 18, 2001 National Post article.
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AND I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath and by virtue of the Canada Evidence Act.
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DATED this 11th day of March, 2005
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Signed
/RANDY POTTER/
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Source: www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com
----------/Additional Filings by the Plaintiff/
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* - Kinsman Robinson Galleries /Principal Morrisseau dealer - Representing Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007) and his artwork over the last nineteen years./
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- The paintings in this posting: "Untitled", 55"x19" ea., © 1969 Norval Morrisseau

www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com (Part IV)

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Otavnik Vs Vadas SC 07-51428-00
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© 1969 Norval Morrisseau
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"Enclosed please find a copy of one of my families donations of art to various art galleries. This particular submission was the works of Norval Morrisseau which were acquired by the same source as the painting in question. They are from the same supplier and are similar to the painting(s) in question in style, form, content, composition etc. The donation has been made by the member of my family and receiving Institution - The Thunder Bay Art Gallery which is an accredited Class "A" Institution.
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The works' in question were viewed, inspected and approved by the Register, Gail Fikis, the gallery director Sharon Godwin, the head curator Mr. Glenn Allison and the Board of Directors of the Gallery. It was then fully vetted again by the Canadian Cultural Property Review Board staff and then full board members and approved."
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Joseph Otavnik
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- The below statement is from curator of The Thunder Bay Art Gallery regarding donated paintings:
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6. OUTSTANDING SIGNIFICANCE AND NATIONAL IMPORTANCE / INTERET EXCEPTIONNEL ET IMPORTANCE NATIONALE

The National Gallery of Canada recently pointed to the "archetypal status" of Norval Morrisseau as it assembled a touring exhibition that views his nearly fifty years of artistic production.
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Recognized as a brilliant innovator, Morrisseau inaugurated the style of painting, which has come to be called "Woodland", or "Legend" painting by transferring an idiom heretofore inherent in historical rock art and the birchbark Midewiwin scrolls and reinscribing it in western formats with a highly contemporary palette. In doing so, he founded a school of visual art, the predominant style of which persists in active, varied and vital production to this day.
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Morrisseau's work insinuates the vision and position of sacred shamanic practises in Anishnaabe culture, embodying a visual lexicon of spiritual creatures that is said to be a direct inheritance from his grandfather. Characterized by pictographic x-ray depictions, the style imparts the inter-connectivity of all life forms and their shared interiority. In its simplest forms, Morrisseau's approach infers to each viewer the unfolding of an entire cosmogony fully empowered with transformational possibility and the capacity for shared indwelling.
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One of the most widely collected and exhibited personalities of the entire Aboriginal Renaissance, Morrisseau continues to parallel, inspire and propel Aboriginal art in this country. As a result, his work also continues to call forth new research, increased analysis and collection.
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The pieces considered here are all modest in scale, all date from the decade of the seventies, and are fully characteristic. All are original paintings.
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Lake Trout With Eggs from 1973 recalls the artist's early monochromatic approaches. The Untitled work from 1979 includes a shaman figure among representative fish, bear, birds and reptile. The Untitled (Animal Spirits Facing Inward) 1970 is an important distillation, pointing to chthonic origins, and the Untitled (Fish with Minnows) is thought to have been an endearing gift for a child. Together these examples expand the repertoire of material that the Thunder Bay art Gallery can offer for research on this highly important national treasure.
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Glenn Allison, Curator
/The Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario/
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Source: www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com
----------/Additional Filings by the Plaintiff/
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- The paintings in this posting: "Untitled", 55"x19" ea., © 1969 Norval Morrisseau

www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com (Part III)

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Otavnik Vs Vadas SC 07-51428-00
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© 1969 Norval Morrisseau
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Statement of Claim

I contend that Mr. Vadas interfered in the sales process between myself and a third party (Heffel Auction house) which directly lead to a loss of sale (and revenue) on my part. My damages are estimated at the amount I could have reasonably been expected to receive given past sales results (and current projections) made at Heffel with respect to the same artist-Norval Morrisseau.
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On Aug 1st, 2006 I entered a consignment agreement with Heffel Auction house in Toronto, Ontario as per Exhibit # 1 The lots are labeled AOL0906-E04085-001 and AOL0906-E04085-002. Heffel took possession of the lots on Aug 1st, 2006 and the lots were to be offered in the upcoming September on line auction which was to start on approx. 4.00pm EST Sept 4, 2006 and was to end approx. on September 30th, 2006. The items were initially posted on the on line auction for approx. for a week before they were taken down all of a sudden on and about September 12th, 2006. My two lots and 4 others were taken off approx. 1 week later right after the email sent by Mr. Vadas to Judy Scolnik at Heffel as per Exhibit # 2 as per lots # 027, 030, 032, 033, 034 and 035. (Judy Scolnik was the same person that accepted my consignment.) All of the items from all consignors which Mr Vadas said were fakes were withdrawn and not sold. Enclosed please find Exhibit # 3 which is the auction sale results for the Sept on line auction with corresponding lot numbers. (I submit that it is not a coincidence that Mr. Vadas complained about all the lots and all the lots were removed).
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Mr Vadas claimed that my two lots were not authentic. I am suing with respect to lot AOIXJ906-E04085-002. Enclosed please find a forensic document as per Exhibit # 4 which confirms that Norval did sign the lot in question. Given that the lot in question was painted in 1969 it is only common sense that the signature and painting have shown wear and tear through the years. This report is from an independent forensic expert and I have enclosed his extensive CV. The signatures are not something Mr. Vadas would have seen because it was not shown on the on line auction and he never personally viewed the item because he complained via email from his home province of British Columbia. Moreover, at best Heffel could have only provided Mr. Vadas with a photograph of the signature.

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I have enclosed a statement of opinion form a very experience retailer who has sold Norval's work for over forty years and is the recognized expert on Norval Morrisseau-Joe McLeod. I have enclosed his extensive CV as per Exhibit # 5. I have several other art dealers who are willing to give my more opinions if required. I can if required provide statements from several art framers who are a very experienced and knowledgeable with respect to Norval's work and the authenticity of this painting. I have also enclosed a statement from one of Norval Morrisseau's sons - David with respect to the authenticity of this painting as per Exhibit # 6.
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Also, enclosed please find a copy of a picture of Norval with his son Christian which was took on Dec 9, 2006 in British Columbia at Norval's nursing home as per Exhibit #7 Christian Morrisseau is willing to testify to the fact that his father is in no condition to give any opinion on anything yet alone anything he painted over 35 years ago. It is also public knowledge that Norval is in the advanced stages of Parkinson's and may suffer from Korsakoff syndrome due to Norval's widely publicized alcohol and drug use of which he has freely admitted to publicly. Thus, I have statements from independent experts, art dealers and members of Norval's family.
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Mr Vadas has a pattern of threatening legal harm on anybody who is trying to sell any of Norval's work that was done prior to him meeting Norval on the streets of Vancouver in the late 1980's when they were both homeless. Enclosed please find Exhibit # 8 where Mr. Vadas threatened this auctioneer if he didn't stop selling works of art from Norval Morrisseau. This auctioneer (Mr. Randy Potter) ignored Mr. Vadas and Mr. Vadas has done nothing because he knows where the painting came from and he knows they are authentic.
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Moreover, it is clear the Mr. Morrisseau has not rendered any opinion on anything nor does he care about his past work. He has made this abundantly clear in many interviews and newspaper articles. I can find articles and can have people attest to the fact that Norval doesn't even care if people are copying his style of painting or even if they are selling fakes. Norval Morrisseau is a true artist in the sense that he painted for himself and does not care about anything other than receiving satisfaction from his painting. It is Mr. Vadas who on his own claims to be speaking on Mr. Morrisseau's behalf but is actually speaking for himself and his own economic interests. The fact is that Norval Morrisseau was an established internationally known and respected artist for 30 years before he met Mr. Vadas on the streets of Vancouver. Indeed, Mr. Vadas has publicly admitted that he didn't even knew who Norval was when he met him when they were both homeless.
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Thus, I have statements from independent experts, art dealers, an auctioneer and members of Norval's family to verify the authenticity of the lot in question.
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To conclude, I believe I have established the authenticity of the lot and question and was denied the opportunity to sell this lot due to the actions of Mr. Vadas.
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Note: For the calculation of damages see Exhibit # 9.
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Source: www.norvalmorrisseaulawsuit.com/
---------/Plaintiff's Claim/
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- The paintings in this posting: "Untitled", 55"x19" ea., © 1969 Norval Morrisseau

www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com (Part II)

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Otavnik Vs Vadas SC 07-51428-00
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© 1969 Norval Morrisseau
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"The painting in question was purchased at Randy Potter Auctions. It was supplied to Mr. Potter by his consignor Mr David Voss, Mr. Voss has supplied many auction houses and fine art dealer(s) with the works' of Norval Morrisseau including Don Robinson of the Kinsman Robinson Art Gallery*. Enclosed please find a statement by Mr, Voss with respect to the matter. I have also enclosed the statements of the owners/operators of Randy Potter Auctions. These painting are all of the same timeframe, subject matter, composition, color and style since they were all from the same source (David Voss) and all purchased through the same auction house by the same artist Norval Morrisseau. I have also enclosed the sales receipts of purchases from Mr. Robinson at the auction house in question. Mr. Robinson has publicly made several differing statements on the status of these painting. He has claimed that he has kept these suspect painting himself in order to produce them if there was ever a question as to their authenticity. He has also claimed that he sold them in his gallery because he was satisfied as to their authenticity. Moreover, he has provided people with appraisals of such painting from Potter Auctions (formerly Kahn Auctions) were they (Kinsman Robinson) were satisfied with the authenticity of the paintings."
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Source: www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com
----------/Additional Filings by the Plaintiff/
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* - Kinsman Robinson Galleries /Principal Morrisseau dealer - Representing Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007) and his artwork over the last nineteen years./
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- The paintings in this posting: "Untitled", 55"x19" ea., © 1969 Norval Morrisseau

www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com (Part I)

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Otavnik Vs Vadas SC 07-51428-00
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© 1969 Norval Morrisseau
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Dear Readers of the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG,
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At www.NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit.com please find a copy of this court case which was recently settled out of court in favor of the plaintiff. It involves the work of the late Norval Morrisseau (see the images above involved in this court case).
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This website is for information purposes only. I encourage readers to review the case (via the links to PDF documents) and then to come to their own conclusions. At the above website there will be no blog or comment sections. I suggest readers to post comments herein. - >>> All comments will be published! <<<
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I also encourage people not to contact the subjects in the case even though people could have gained access to these documents via the courts as these are public documents.
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Spirit Walker
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* The paintings in this posting: "Untitled", 55"x19" ea., © 1969 Norval Morrisseau

Norval Morrisseau Signature Study (Part VII)

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- Exhibit G.
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"My Future Offspring", © 1975 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/
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"My Future Offspring", © 1975 Norval Morrisseau
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"My Future Offspring", © 1975 Norval Morrisseau
- Detail - Norval Morriseau's signature
/Click on image to enlarge for detailed examination/
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- Presented in this posting auction is a historical original silk screen limited edition purchased from The Pollock Gallery Limited. Signed, Titled " My Future Offspring", Numbered 71/99. Publishers embossed seal Great Grasslands Graphics RTU 1975. Original Pollock Gallery document describing screen is included. Silk Screen was reframed and Pollock documentation was saved from previous frame. Silk Screen is unframed with white acid free matt. Dimensions: Image 12 1/4" x 18 1/2". Outside 18 1/4" x 25".
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Related story/link: In oder to provide legitimacy to their pieces the collectors, along with others, including Toronto galleries who had pronounced the pieces genuine, commissioned a report on the signatures, (in English "Norval Morrisseau") on the front and back of the paintings. Document Examination Consultants, Inc. (a forensic services company) were provided letters and pictures of paintings from Norval Morrisseau and concluded that the signatures able to be read were, in their expert opinion, by the hand of Norval Morrisseau. This was considered solid evidence of the legitimacy of the pieces.
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Q: "Why do galleries feel that they need to provide legitimacy to their art pieces of Norval Morrisseau? Should a gallery not be confident (and responsible) in what they are selling?
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A: "Galleries do feel a need to provide legitimacy to their pieces in the above stated way. Due to the fact that individuals and galleries that were closely associated with the artist have been spreading false statements that paintings of a certain style were not done by Norval Morrisseau's hand. Particularily those paintings from the 1970's presented on this blog and that have been offered for sale for more than three decades in galleries all across Canada. In my opinion they are harming the Norval Morrisseau's art market and consequently his legacy."
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Note: In the following "Norval Morrisseau Signature Study" we are eager to introduce numerous examples to draw from known sources with provenance. We will use letters addressed by Norval Morrisseau/canvases/officially embossed signatures from Norval Morrisseau and serigraphs to anaylsis Norval Morrisseau's signature as it is found on his artwork. This study is to confirm and introduce to the novice and seasoned collector the many aspects of Norval Morrisseau's caligraphy found painted on the reverse/front of his canvases, signed limited edition serigraphs, books and correspondence.
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* For detailed information on Norval Morrisseau's Signature Study go to "Signature Identification Article 101"
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~ I am inviting all readers, collectors and admirers of Norval Morrisseau's art to share the images (drawings, paintings, newspaper articles and painted objects), handwritten and other documents pertaining to the artistic legacy of Norval Morrisseau.~
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spiritwalker2008@gmail.com
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Norval Morrisseau Signature Study (Part VI)

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- Exhibit F.
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Correspondence with the late Mrs. Susanna McLeod
/Click on image for detailed examination/
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Correspondence with the late Mrs. Susanna McLeod
/Click on image for detailed examination/
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"Signature of Norval Morrisseau"
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- Presented in this posting are samples of Norval Morrisseau's handwriting c/w signature of Norval Morrisseau used in correspondence with the late Mrs. Susanna McLeod.
/Date of correspondence: 1968/
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Related story/link: In oder to provide legitimacy to their pieces the collectors, along with others, including Toronto galleries who had pronounced the pieces genuine, commissioned a report on the signatures, (in English "Norval Morrisseau") on the front and back of the paintings. Document Examination Consultants, Inc. (a forensic services company) were provided letters and pictures of paintings from Norval Morrisseau and concluded that the signatures able to be read were, in their expert opinion, by the hand of Norval Morrisseau. This was considered solid evidence of the legitimacy of the pieces.
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Q: "Why do galleries feel that they need to provide legitimacy to their art pieces of Norval Morrisseau? Should a gallery not be confident (and responsible) in what they are selling?
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A: "Galleries do feel a need to provide legitimacy to their pieces in the above stated way. Due to the fact that individuals and galleries that were closely associated with the artist have been spreading false statements that paintings of a certain style were not done by Norval Morrisseau's hand. Particularily those paintings from the 1970's presented on this blog and that have been offered for sale for more than three decades in galleries all across Canada. In my opinion they are harming the Norval Morrisseau's art market and consequently his legacy."
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Note: In the following "Norval Morrisseau Signature Study" we are eager to introduce numerous examples to draw from known sources with provenance. We will use letters addressed by Norval Morrisseau/canvases/officially embossed signatures from Norval Morrisseau and serigraphs to anaylsis Norval Morrisseau's signature as it is found on his artwork. This study is to confirm and introduce to the novice and seasoned collector the many aspects of Norval Morrisseau's caligraphy found painted on the reverse/front of his canvases, signed limited edition serigraphs, books and correspondence.
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* For detailed information on Norval Morrisseau's Signature Study go to "Signature Identification Article 101"
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~ I am inviting all readers, collectors and admirers of Norval Morrisseau's art to share the images (drawings, paintings, newspaper articles and painted objects), handwritten and other documents pertaining to the artistic legacy of Norval Morrisseau.~
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spiritwalker2008@gmail.com
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Norval Morrisseau Signature Study (Part V)

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- Exhibit E.
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"Shaman and Apprentice", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/
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"Shaman and Apprentice", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/
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- Presented in this posting is a great example of Norval Morrisseau's art from the 1970s. Also, included herein is Norval Morrisseau's signature on the back of canvas with stylized thunderbird that he would paint/drew on the backs of certain paintings.
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Related story/link: In oder to provide legitimacy to their pieces the collectors, along with others, including Toronto galleries who had pronounced the pieces genuine, commissioned a report on the signatures, (in English "Norval Morrisseau") on the front and back of the paintings. Document Examination Consultants, Inc. (a forensic services company) were provided letters and pictures of paintings from Norval Morrisseau and concluded that the signatures able to be read were, in their expert opinion, by the hand of Norval Morrisseau. This was considered solid evidence of the legitimacy of the pieces.
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Q: "Why do galleries feel that they need to provide legitimacy to their art pieces of Norval Morrisseau? Should a gallery not be confident (and responsible) in what they are selling?
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A: "Galleries do feel a need to provide legitimacy to their pieces in the above stated way. Due to the fact that individuals and galleries that were closely associated with the artist have been spreading false statements that paintings of a certain style were not done by Norval Morrisseau's hand. Particularily those paintings from the 1970's presented on this blog and that have been offered for sale for more than three decades in galleries all across Canada. In my opinion they are harming the Norval Morrisseau's art market and consequently his legacy."
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Note: In the following "Norval Morrisseau Signature Study" we are eager to introduce numerous examples to draw from known sources with provenance. We will use letters addressed by Norval Morrisseau/canvases/officially embossed signatures from Norval Morrisseau and serigraphs to anaylsis Norval Morrisseau's signature as it is found on his artwork. This study is to confirm and introduce to the novice and seasoned collector the many aspects of Norval Morrisseau's caligraphy found painted on the reverse/front of his canvases, signed limited edition serigraphs, books and correspondence.
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* For detailed information on Norval Morrisseau's Signature Study go to "Signature Identification Article 101"
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~ I am inviting all readers, collectors and admirers of Norval Morrisseau's art to share the images (drawings, paintings, newspaper articles and painted objects), handwritten and other documents pertaining to the artistic legacy of Norval Morrisseau.~
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spiritwalker2008@gmail.com
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Norval Morrisseau Signature Study (Part IV)

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- Exhibit D.
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"Indian Overpowers Bear Spirit", © 1970s Norval Morrisseau

/Click on image to enlage/

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"Indian Overpowers Bear Spirit" (Artist's description)
/Click on image for detailed examination/

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"Signature of Norval Morrisseau"

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- Presented in this posting is a great example of the Norval Morrisseau's art from the early 1970s mainly painted in style of the 1960s. Also, included herein is artist's description handwritten, I believe, on a separate sheet of paper.

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Related story/link: In oder to provide legitimacy to their pieces the collectors, along with others, including Toronto galleries who had pronounced the pieces genuine, commissioned a report on the signatures, (in English "Norval Morrisseau") on the front and back of the paintings. Document Examination Consultants, Inc. (a forensic services company) were provided letters and pictures of paintings from Norval Morrisseau and concluded that the signatures able to be read were, in their expert opinion, by the hand of Norval Morrisseau. This was considered solid evidence of the legitimacy of the pieces.
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Q: "Why do galleries feel that they need to provide legitimacy to their art pieces of Norval Morrisseau? Should a gallery not be confident (and responsible) in what they are selling?
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A: "Galleries do feel a need to provide legitimacy to their pieces in the above stated way. Due to the fact that individuals and galleries that were closely associated with the artist have been spreading false statements that paintings of a certain style were not done by Norval Morrisseau's hand. Particularily those paintings from the 1970's presented on this blog and that have been offered for sale for more than three decades in galleries all across Canada. In my opinion they are harming the Norval Morrisseau's art market and consequently his legacy."

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Note: In the following "Norval Morrisseau Signature Study" we are eager to introduce numerous examples to draw from known sources with provenance. We will use letters addressed by Norval Morrisseau/canvases/officially embossed signatures from Norval Morrisseau and serigraphs to anaylsis Norval Morrisseau's signature as it is found on his artwork. This study is to confirm and introduce to the novice and seasoned collector the many aspects of Norval Morrisseau's caligraphy found painted on the reverse/front of his canvases, signed limited edition serigraphs, books and correspondence.
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* For detailed information on Norval Morrisseau's Signature Study go to "Signature Identification Article 101"

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~ I am inviting all readers, collectors and admirers of Norval Morrisseau's art to share the images (drawings, paintings, newspaper articles and painted objects), handwritten and other documents pertaining to the artistic legacy of Norval Morrisseau.~

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spiritwalker2008@gmail.com

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Norval Morrisseau Signature Study (Part III)

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- Exhibit C.
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Correspondence with Mr. Robert Lavack

/Click on image for detailed examination/

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Correspondence with Mr. Robert Lavack

/Click on image for detailed examination/

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Correspondence with Mr. Robert Lavack (envelope)

/Click on image to enlarge/

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- Presented in this posting are samples of Norval Morrisseau handwriting c/w signature of Norval Morrisseau's first name and his signature from one of the envelopes used in correspondence with Mr. Robert Lavack.

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Related story/link: In oder to provide legitimacy to their pieces the collectors, along with others, including Toronto galleries who had pronounced the pieces genuine, commissioned a report on the signatures, (in English "Norval Morrisseau") on the front and back of the paintings. Document Examination Consultants, Inc. (a forensic services company) were provided letters and pictures of paintings from Norval Morrisseau and concluded that the signatures able to be read were, in their expert opinion, by the hand of Norval Morrisseau. This was considered solid evidence of the legitimacy of the pieces.

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Q: "Why do galleries feel that they need to provide legitimacy to their art pieces of Norval Morrisseau? Should a gallery not be confident (and responsible) in what they are selling?

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A: "Galleries do feel a need to provide legitimacy to their pieces in the above stated way. Due to the fact that individuals and galleries that were closely associated with the artist have been spreading false statements that paintings of a certain style were not done by Norval Morrisseau's hand. Particularily those paintings from the 1970's presented on this blog and that have been offered for sale for more than three decades in galleries all across Canada. In my opinion they are harming the Norval Morrisseau's art market and consequently his legacy."

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Note: In the following "Norval Morrisseau Signature Study" we are eager to introduce numerous examples to draw from known sources with provenance. We will use letters addressed by Norval Morrisseau/canvases/officially embossed signatures from Norval Morrisseau and serigraphs to anaylsis Norval Morrisseau's signature as it is found on his artwork. This study is to confirm and introduce to the novice and seasoned collector the many aspects of Norval Morrisseau's caligraphy found painted on the reverse/front of his canvases, signed limited edition serigraphs, books and correspondence. spiritwalker2008@gmail.com

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Reference postings:

- Correspondence between Norval Morrisseau and Robert Lavack (Part I);

- NO! NO! MORRISSEAU – Christmas Letter to Norval Morrisseau from Robert Lavack;

- Robert Lavack's Open Letter to Spirit Walker....

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* For detailed information on Norval Morrisseau's Signature Study go to "Signature Identification Article 101" -

Norval Morrisseau Signature Study (Part II)

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- Exhibit B.
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THE ART OF NORVAL MORRISSEAU
/Lister Sinclair, Jack Pollock, and Norval Morrisseau/; ISBN: 0-458-93820-3 /Toronto, Ontario: Methuen, 1979./
/Click on image to enlage/
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/Click on image to enlage/
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- Presented in this posting is signature of Norval Morrisseau as a dedication for THE ART OF NORVAL MORRISSEAU book.
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Related story/link: In oder to provide legitimacy to their pieces the collectors, along with others, including Toronto galleries who had pronounced the pieces genuine, commissioned a report on the signatures, (in English "Norval Morrisseau") on the front and back of the paintings. Document Examination Consultants, Inc. (a forensic services company) were provided letters and pictures of paintings from Norval Morrisseau and concluded that the signatures able to be read were, in their expert opinion, by the hand of Norval Morrisseau. This was considered solid evidence of the legitimacy of the pieces. -
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Note: In the following "Norval Morrisseau Signature Study" we are eager to introduce numerous examples to draw from known sources with provenance. We will use letters addressed by Norval Morrisseau/canvases/officially embossed signatures from Norval Morrisseau and serigraphs to anaylsis Norval Morrisseau's signature as it is found on his artwork. This study is to confirm and introduce to the novice and seasoned collector the many aspects of Norval Morrisseau's caligraphy found painted on the reverse/front of his canvases, signed limited edition serigraphs, books and correspondence. spiritwalker2008@gmail.com
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* For detailed information on Norval Morrisseau's Signature Study go to "Signature Identification Article 101" -

Norval Morrisseau Signature Study (Part I)

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- Exhibit A.-
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Copyright 2003 Norval Morrisseau/Morrisseau Art Publishing
/Click on image to enlage/
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Copyright 2003 Norval Morrisseau/Morrisseau Art Publishing
/Click on image to enlage/
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- Presented in this posting are original Norval Morrisseau Silkscreen Prints from Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Toronto, Ontario.
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These three limited edition hand-pulled silkscreen prints were published exclusively for IKEA Canada, Courtesy Kinsman Robinson Galleries. Each print is individually numbered in the edition of 4500 and signed with the artist's authorized signature stamp. Printed on acid free 100% rag150g Stonehenge paper using oil based Inktech Satin Poster Ink.
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Each Print measures 11x 14.5 inches.
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Note: In the following "Norval Morrisseau Signature Study" we are eager to introduce numerous examples to draw from known sources with provenance. We will use letters addressed by Norval Morrisseau/canvases/officially embossed signatures from Norval Morrisseau and serigraphs to anaylsis Norval Morrisseau's signature as it is found on his artwork. This study is to confirm and introduce to the novice and seasoned collector the many aspects of Norval Morrisseau's caligraphy found painted on the reverse/front of his canvases, signed limited edition serigraphs, books and correspondence. spiritwalker2008@gmail.com
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* For detailed information on Norval Morrisseau's Signature Study go to "Signature Identification Article 101"

"Legends of The Great Ojibway" (Part I)

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Windigo
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"Windigo", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau

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The Windigo (also Wendigo, Windago, Windiga, Witiko, Wihtikow, and numerous other variants) is part of the traditional belief systems of various Algonquian-speaking tribes in the northern United States and Canada, most notably the Ojibwa/Saulteaux, the Cree, and the Innu/Naskapi/Montagnais. Though descriptions varied somewhat, common to all these cultures was the conception of Windigos as malevolent, cannibalistic, supernatural beings (manitous) of great spiritual power. They were strongly associated with the Winter, the North, and coldness, as well as with famine and starvation. Basil Johnston, an Ojibwa teacher and scholar from Ontario, gives one description of how Windigos were viewed:

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"The Windigo was gaunt to the point of emaciation, its desiccated skin pulled tautly over its bones. With its bones pushing out against its skin, its complexion the ash gray of death, and its eyes pushed back deep into their sockets, the Windigo looked like a gaunt skeleton recently disinterred from the grave. What lips it had were tattered and bloody [....] Unclean and suffering from suppurations of the flesh, the Windigo gave off a strange and eerie odor of decay and decomposition, of death and corruption."

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Source: WIKIPEDIA

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* The painting in this posting: "Windigo", 40"x31", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/