Norval Morrisseau speaks (Part I)

-
Shaman-Visionary-Storyteller-Artist
-


© 1991 Kinsman Robinson Galleries
-
-
" I only wish to repeat a few words that this gentleman says and what he is afraid to say. For us to be all in here in this environment, I guess that's what I am saying, I'm just like a real estate broker selling pieces of the enviroment... which we all need when we safeguard the environment... But the colors... Otherwise let me put it this way: 'If Toronto was able to accept this color for a building, and all these colors of buildings it would be a much better vibration...'"
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
>>>>>>>
Note the brief appearance in the beginning of the video clip of Robert McMichael (1921 - 2003) /Canadian art collector and philanthropist/
-
- In 1955, Robert McMichael and his wife Signe (died July 4, 2007) began collecting Canadian paintings by the Group of Seven and other Canadian artists. The couple established the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario which now contains some 6,000 Canadian works.
>>>>>>>-
-
* To view full video click HERE.
-

Symbology of Norval Morrisseau's Art (Part I)

-
-Three dots /MIND, BODY and SPIRIT/
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

© 1970s Norval Morrisseau /-
-
-
In 2003, I had a privilege to have a telephone communication with a prominent Anishnaabe (Woodland) artist Roy Thomas* (1949 - 2004). Among the few things we discussed he revealed to me that the three dots that Norval Morrisseau used on many of his paintings represent the unifying balance of the MIND, BODY and SPIRIT.
-
Spirit Walker
-
* - along with Norval Morrisseau, one of only two native painters that the late and renowned Jack Pollock (1930-1992) would show in his Toronto gallery.
-
Note: The conversation occured while ordering the book: ROY THOMAS - "The Spirit of Ahnishnabae Art" - A Gallery Edition /www.ahnisnabae-art.com/ by James R. Stevens, ISBN: 0-9688345-0-7
-
-
- The painting in this posting: "Title not Known, © c. 1970s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Norval Morrisseau's first exhibition in Europe

-
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
/September 3rd - 24th, 1969/
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
In 1969 Norval Morrisseau had his exhibition in Europe, at Galerie Saint-Paul, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France where he met Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. Pablo Picasso and Mark Chagall would come to visit Norval's exhibition admiring his art. They both loved Norval's use of colour and designs of his paintings.
-
*With great respect Pablo Picasso once stated that if he would ever hire anyone to mix his colours that he would have chosen Norval Morrisseau.
-
* Norval Morrisseau was dubbed "Picasso of the North" by the French press.
-
Note: In Europe Norval Morrisseau also exhibited in Bergen, Norway; London, England; Lahr and Hamburg, Germany...
-
-
*The image in this posting is of the poster from the Norval Morrisseau's first exhibition of his works in Europe at Galerie Saint-Paul, Saint-Paul de Vence, France

>> Gatherings of Norval Morrisseau (Part I)

-
- Addendum A
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

--
-
ARTISTS UNITE... Blair Debassige (right) presented renowned artist Norval Morrisseau (centre) with an eagle feather at a ceremony held on September 24, 1999 at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (OCF). Helping out with the ceremony was Morrisseau's adopted son Weekan*.
-
-
Morrisseau presented with eagle feather
-
Neil Zacharjewicz,
The Manitoulin Recorder, published September 29, 1999
-
M'CHIGEENG - Norval Morrisseau saved the life of Blair Debassige. "He taught me who I am inside," suggested Debassige, artist and resi­dent of the M'Chigeeng First Nation. Morrisseau, the Father of Woodland Indian Art who has been compared to such well-renowned artists as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall, was presented with aneagle feather by Debassige in a ceremony held at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (OCF) Centre held on September 24, 1999.
-
"The recognizing of a person with an eagle feather, indicated OCF Director Paul Nadjiwan, is one of the highest honors a person can receive. An eagle feather provides a person with an opportuni­ty to speak directly to the spirits, he said, with a straight mind and heart. It conveys a persons thoughts and feelings.The power of the eagle feather comes from the thunderbirds, the most powerful bird in creation, Nadjiwan explained. According to legend, the thunderbirds gave each eagle four of their feathers, which granted the eagles a part of their pow­ers. The thunderbirds rec­ognize the bearer of an eagle feather as being able to use its powers.
-
Debassige expressed his appreciation to all who turned out to participate in the ceremony. He said he was very honored to have been able to give an eagle feather to Morrisseau. "He is really something... this man, to me," Debassige stated. Morrisseau indicated his visit to Manitoulin meant a great deal to him. He said he had been planning to visit the area for a long time, as it is a sacred place.
-
"I thank my brother, (Morrisseau), for visiting, us here," Nadjiwan said. Everyone can appreciate the contributions he has made to native culture through his works: Nadjiwan suggested, particularly in his work based on the myths of creation. Morrisseau planned to continue his visit to Manitoulin until Tuesday of this week.
-
* Weekan - Gabor (Gabe) Vadas
-
-
Blog Master's comment:
-
Have you noticed the painting hung on the wall in the background?
-
I am certain that the painting on the wall is from the 1970's and as you can see it was painted in the common 1970's style as have been shown on this Blog numerous times. To those of you that consider this painting to be in the category of the "questionable kind" I post the following questions:
-
1. "How is it that numerous galleries across Canada have been selling these kind of paintings for years without anybody stopping them to do so?"-
-
2. "Why would galleries like Maslak McCleod Gallery, Toronto, ON; Gallery De Boer, Owen Sound, ON; Bearclaw Gallery, Edmonton, AB; Wah-sa Gallery, Winnipeg, MB; Qualicum Frameworks Gallery, Qualicum Beach, BC; Woodland Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, ON and Galleries of Avalon on 'eBay', to name a few, risk their reputation spanning several decades being involved in selling non-authentic art pieces of Norval Morrisseau?. Their perfect sales records attest to their credibilities as vendors of fine art."
-
... and last but not least: "Why would Norval Morrisseau together with Gabe Vadas attend 'The Eagle Feather Ceremony' on Manitoulin Island with a purported non-authentic painting being hung on the wall with Gabe Vadas proudly posing for a photoghraph to be published in a newspaper article if Norval Morrisseau didn't think it was done by his hand?".
-
Spirit Walker
-
-
Source:
- "Morrisseau presented with eagle feather"
/to view an original The Manitoulin Recorder's article click above/
-
Reference Postings:
- > Gatherings of Norval Morrisseau (Part I),
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part II).
-
-

Norval Morrisseau a.k.a. Copper Thunderbird

-
Shaman-Visionary-Storyteller-Artist
- Anishinaabe/Canadian Painter
-

© 2008 by Vanessa Liston
-
In an address presented in 1980 at the University of Western Ontario, Goyce Kakegamic, a prominent Anishnaabe (Woodland) artist stated:

"The aim...was not merely to establish a realistic record. The artist quickly realized that he could not draw a tree or animal as perfectly as it was made by the Creator so, in good sense, he did not try to do so. Instead, he sought out the spirit, or essence, of the tree, and represented this in his painting. This is the semi-magical characteristic so common to Native Art. The painting depicts the soul of the object. The art of representing visions or mental impressions is not new.

Today, the artist must turn to the elders of the community for age-old stories and legends, and infuse them with artistic meaning. Only those who have shared in native life gain the insights necessary to recreate that life in an art form. The basic rule is to arouse an emotional response in the audience. If the artist does not succeed in this, it may be either his own failure or that of the audience itself.

Woodland Native Art is not a primitive art form. It involves the latest in media and techniques. Its practitioners are not untrained or illiterate. The messages contained in the works are neither crude nor unsophisticated. Woodland Art is not an anachronistic curiosity cherished for its furtive glimpses into a bygone age. It is rather a representation of current philosophy and a culture that is alive and well today.

...Please do not think of us as 'Indian' artists, but rather, as artists who happen to be Indian".
-
Goyce Kakegamic - one of the founders of the Tripe K Cooperative
-
Source (Text): "Art in the Woodland Tradition" - Compiled and Edited by William F. Colborne /Used with permission/
-
Note: Founded by Henry, Joshim and Goyce Kakegamic the Triple K Cooperative was a silkscreening company that reproduced their own work, as well as that of other artists like Paddy Peters, Barry Peters, Saul Williams, and their brother-in-law Norval Morrisseau.
- -

Norval Morrisseau's Painted Objects (Part II)

-
- 1980's PERIOD
- -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
"Title not known", Animal hide drum, © c. 1980s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"I want my work to be cornerstone for Indian art, to provide something that will last."
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
Reference posting: Norval Morrisseau's Painted Objects (Part I)
-
-
* The painted animal hide drum (size: 20" DIA): "Title not known" /Thunderbird and Evil Serpent/, Sold at www.seahawkauctions.com in November 2001, © c. 1980s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Recent Visitors (Report No. 1)

-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

--
-
"I would like to thank all of the visitors and to all those that posted comments on "NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG" in the past twelve months..."
-
Spirit Walker
-

>>> www.NorvalMorrisseauLegalDefenceFund.com (Part I)

-
- An Introduction

--
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

"I don't wish my work to be exploited, but to be properly used as an art form in its proper place where for the generations of the great Ojibway people it can be seen in the future, as well as be appreciated by all our white brothers." Norval Morrisseau, September 1962

~ The following has been trasferred in its entirety from the above stated web site ~

I am glad to announce the establishment of the www.norvalmorrisseaulegaldefencefund.com. -

There are and have been many misrepresentations by people with respect to the works of Norval Morrisseau. I direct the reader to Exhibit "A" which is an article in National Post of May 18th, 2001. In the second paragraph Mr. Don Robinson (of Kinsman Robinson Galleries*) states that he was suspicious of the authenticity of 23 paintings which were brought to him by another collector who purchased them at Kahn Auctions. I enclose in Exhibit "B" a statement from that collector. Mr. Robinson in the article only mentions that he bought some works of Norval Morrisseau at Kahn Auctions himself. In fact, over the period between late 1999 and early 2000 Mr. Robinson actually purchased 28 painting from the same auction house (please see Exhibit "C"), he openly encouraged other people to buy them and unsuccessfully bid on another 40 to 60 more paintings from the same auction house. Please refer to Exhibits "D" and "E" which are the statements from the auction house owners. Mr. Robinson in fact tried to get the supplier to sell to him directly and bypass Kahn auctions. The statements of the auction house owners clearly show this. Mr. Robinson also states in the article that Norval knows who are painting these "fakes" but to date he has never named them nor pursued legal action against them. The question is why would Mr. Robinson and his legal team not pursue the people Norval says he knows were painting these so called "fakes"? In fact, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Morrisseau's management team would be deficient in their fiduciary duties to Mr. Morrisseau by not pursuing these people which he says Norval said he knows are painting them. Moreover, to date Mr. Robinson and Norval's handlers cannot point to one case where they have proved that someone made, sold, distributed or even marketed one "fake". Not one case.

Please now refer to Exhibit "F" which is the May 19th, 2001 letter from Don Robinson to his clients. It is interesting that in this letter Mr. Robinson does not mention the name of Kahn Auctions. Nor does he mention the fact that he bought and sold paintings from Kahn auctions in his gallery but contends that the collector who brought the paintings which were purchased from the same auction house (and same source) were fakes.

- APPRAISALS DONE BY KINSMAN ROBINSON GALLERIES FOR PAINTINGS PURCHASED FROM KAHN AUCTIONS

Kinsman Robinson claim to be experts with respect to the authenticity of Norval Morrisseau paintings. Please now refer to Exhibit "G" which shows an appraisal done by Kinsman Robinson Galleries from a client who clearly states where the paintings were purchased (Kahn Auctions) and the subsequent appraisal as of August 18th, 1999. Also, another appraisal done on October 30th, 2001 of the paintings also purchased at Kahn Auctions has been presented. In both cases the Kinsman Robinson Galleries provided appraisals. It is funny that the same auction house where Mr. Robinson purchased his Morrisseaus says are now fakes were appraised and authenticated by his own gallery as being authentic.

I now refer the reader to Exhibit "H". Here is the correspondence from Mr. Robinson's own lawyer stating that Mr. Robinson did in fact purchase the painting(s) that he never bothered to tell the newspaper nor his own clients as per point 5 as per page 2 . Moreover, it was Mr. Robinson who was victimized and "taken in". Some expert. Mr. Robinson contends they are fakes but he has interestingly never asked for his money back. As far as the continuing investigation it's been seven (7) years and still no mention of anything. I guess experts take their time.

I keep reading in the various national publications (National Post, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, even the Toronto Sun) etc. about the existence of all these so called fakes. However, I have yet to hear of anyone, anywhere or at any time being convicted or even charged with selling/distributing...etc of such Norval Morrisseau fakes. Moreover, at the opening of the Morrisseau show at the McMichael Gallery; Gabe Vadas proclaimed that he had a disk of 1200 Morrisseau paintings, 800 of which according to Gabe were fakes. I also enclose as per Exhibit "I" a copy some correspondence with Mr. Vadas' lawyer in Vancouver where his lawyer admits to the existence of this disk.

- NORVAL MORRISSEAU HERITAGE SOCIETY

This now brings me to the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society (NMHS). Mr. Morrisseau's children want and have nothing to do with this Committee. In fact it is their preference that this Committee be disbanded. This Committee is supposed to work at arm's length and be independent yet they do not even have their own web site. Moreover, the only way to contact the Committee is via a post office box in Ottawa that is mentioned on Kinsman Robinson Galleries' web site. So much are independence and impartiality. Mr. Robinson has set up the Committee as his straw man. He then went to ADAC and had them implement a policy they prevented another member of the association to have the ability to authenticate a Morrisseau but then have other members of ADAC refer to the NMHS to provide the authentication.

With respect to Mr. Morrisseaus' Estate. Norval's family was left with nothing. It is one of the purposes of the Norval Morrisseau Legal Defence Fund to raise funds in order to help Norval's children at least benefit from any future dispositions of their father's works including all intellectual rights.

To conclude, I ask the reader to forward a copy of this site to any other collector and send a link to your local newspaper. I will keep people informed as to where and how payments to the Norval Morrisseau Legal Defence Fund can be made.

Source: www.norvalmorrisseaulegaldefencefund.com
----------/Additional Information - "PDF" Document No. 1/

* - Kinsman Robinson Galleries /Principal Morrisseau dealer - Representing Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007) and his artwork over the last nineteen years./

- Still image of Norval Morrisseau in this posting from "The Paradox of Norval Morrisseau" - film by NFB © 1974

My art speaks...

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
"My art speaks and will continue to speak, transcending barriers of nationality, language and other forces that may be divisive, fortifying the greatness of the spirit that has always been the foundation of the Ojibwa people." /English/
-
"Mon art parle et continuera de parler, franchissant les frontières de nationalités, de langues et autre forces pouvant créer des divisions, enrichissant la grandeur de l'esprit qui a toujours été le fondement du peuple d'Ojibwa." /French/
-
"Moja umjetnost govori i nataviti će govoriti, prevazilazeći prepreke nacionalnosti, jezika i ostalih sila koje mogu da razdvajaju, utvrđujući veličinu duha koji je oduvijek bio temelj Ojibwa naroda." /Croatian/
-
"Mijn kunst spreekt en zal blijven spreken, grens overstijgend in nationaliteit, taal en andere krachten die kunnen leiden tot verdeeldheid, versterken de grootsheid van de geest, dat altijd de basis is geweest van het Ojibwa volk." /Dutch/
-
"Mi arte habla y conituará hablando, trascendiendo las barreras de nacionalidad, lenguaje y otras fuerzas que pudiesen ser divisivas, fortificando la grandeza del espíritu que siempre ha sido la base de la gente de Ojibwa." /Spanish/
-
"A művészetem beszél és tovább beszél miközben túlszárnyalja olyan nemzetiségnek, nyelvnek és másik erőknek az akadályait, amik megosztóak lehetnek miközben megerősítik annak a szellemnek a nagyságát, ami mindig az Ojibwa nép alapja volt." /Hungarian/
-
"我用艺术的语言讲话，而且我将一如既往的这样讲，超越国籍，语言和其他分裂势力的障碍，加强印第安人固有的伟大精神." /Chinese/
-
"Min konst vill överbrygga nationella, språkliga och andra hinder. Den vill befästa den andliga styrka somalltid präglat Ojibwa-folket." --/Swedish/
-
"Ang akin sining ay magpapatuloy, di natatakdaan nag anumang balakid nang lahi, wika o anumang lakas. Ito ay magbigay ng spiritong kalakasan na magpakalayman na nasa puso ng mga Ojibwa."--/Tagalog/
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
-
Note: Send tanslations in other laguages of Mother Earth for the above stated Norval Morrisseau's quote to: spiritwalker2008@gmail.com - Megwetch.

Norval Morrisseau Aquatics (Part IV)

-
- 1970's PERIOD
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-
© 1970s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"Morrisseau's genius for unifying or braking space in his designs is astonishing, as sureness of line. It cannot be classed as primitive art, because both the ideas and the expression evince cultivated thought. As this mysticism has never been recorded he is breaking new ground."
-
Pearl McCarthy, The Globe and Mail, 1962
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title not Known, 54"x64", © c. 1970s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Opposites of Norval Morrisseau (Part I)

-
- 1970's PERIOD
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© 1970s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"My idea is, why I draw them, see, there's lots of stories that are told in Ojibway but that wasn't enough for me. I wanted to draw them - that's from my own self - my own idea what they look like."
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title not Known", © c. 1970s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Shamans of Norval Morrisseau (Part XII)

-
- 1970's PERIOD
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© 1977 Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"I’ve been looking for books all my life – books about American Indians. Anything that I could find that was civil and worthwhile besides what my Grandfather was telling me about the Iroquois and others. There isn’t very much written about Natives in the art and history books we read today. The only thing that was written was about the Iroquois slaughtering the Jesuits somewhere and Sitting Bull and his followers being chased out of Canada."
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title not Known", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Sacred Native Teachings (Part III)

-
Center
-

-
This is part of the original 4 Directions Teachings series. These are items that pertain to tribal background from mainly the Ojibwe or Great Lakes Native Indians.
-
You can see the entire series and even more at their web site: www.FourDirectionsTeachings.com.

-
>"You Tube" presentation< -

-

-
* To view all "You Tube" presentations on the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG click HERE.
-

Quotes of Pablo Picasso that could easily be applied to "Picasso of the North" (Part I)

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© Arnold Newman /Pablo Picasso, Vallauris, France 1954/
-
-
"Give me a museum and I'll fill it."
-
Pablo Picasso
/a Spanish artist, who lived in France. An extremely influential artist, he produced a prolific number of artworks in his life. He lived 1881 - 1973, and had several painting styles which influenced his art./
-
-
* Norval Morrisseau was dubbed "Picasso of the North" by the French press.
-

Self-Portraits of Norval Morrisseau (Part I)

-
- 1970's PERIOD
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
"Self Portrait - Copper Thunderbird", © 1970s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
“Among the Indians, as among other nations, some people are born artists, but most are not. I am a born artist. I have as much interest in my people as any anthropologist, and I have studied our culture and lore. My aim is to reassemble the pieces of a once proud culture, and to show the dignity and bravery of my people.”
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
-
* The painting in this posting: ""Self Portrait - Copper Thunderbird", 42"x36", © c. 1970s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Norval Morrisseau Aquatics (Part III)

-
- 1970's PERIOD
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© 1975 Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"He is one of the greatest painters Canada has ever produced. One day we were looking at the Group of Seven and he commented 'They paint trees, I paint loons and they connect to the sky'".
-
Tom Hill - a Seneca from the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, is Museum Director at the Woodland Indian Cultural Educational Centre in Brantford. An artist and graduate of the Ontario College of Art, he worked for eight years for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in Ottawa, primarily as Head of the Cultural Secretariat. Beginning in 1978 he was with the Toronto Office of the Secretary of State, responsible for the Native Citizens' Program, and with the Multicultural Directorate, responsible for the visual and performing arts. He has written many articles on Native art and has organized Indian art exhibitions for travel to Brazil, Europe, and Japan.
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Untitled" (Loons), 26"x22", © 1975 Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Norval Morrisseau Blog as an instrument in preserving the Legacy of Norval Morrisseau

-
Honour the Past... Know the Present... Anticipate the Future-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-
-
"He was a courageous Aboriginal painter who, through perseverance and faith in his gift, was able to break through enormous cultural and racial barriers to bring his art not just to Canada, but to the world."
-
The Honourable Chuck Strahl - Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians
--
-
-
-
-

Norval Morrisseau Blog's 1st Year Anniversary

-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

--

-
-
-
-
November 12th, 2007 - November 12th, 2008
-
-
"This Blog is posted in honour of the Mind, Body and Spirit of Copper Thunderbird better known as Norval Morrisseau - Grand Shaman of the Ojibway. Also, this is the first and the only Blog initiated during Norval Morrisseau’s lifetime and it is dedicated entirely to the preservation of the legacy of his people as well as to the preservation of his artistic legacy."
-
Spirit Walker
-- -

Remembrance Day 2008

-
- 1990's PERIOD
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
--
-
"Flowers", © 1990s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
In Flanders Fields
-
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below...
-
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields...
-
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields...
-
Lt.-Col. John McCrae





* The painting in this posting: "Flowers", size not known, © c. 1990s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Collectors' Corner IX

-
- 1960's PERIOD
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
"Frog Spirit", © 1960s Norval Morrisseau /Frog - a Symbol of Fertility/
/Click on image to Enlarge/
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
/An inscription on the reverse side of the painting/
-
-
Hi Spirit Walker,
-
I spent 14 years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1974 to 1988 and during that time collected some minor works Goyce Kakegamic and others. Most were purchased from the Wah-sa Gallery. In the middle to late 70's there was another Indian art "store" selling not only framed works but some unframed originals and prints. The name of the store escapes me after all these years, but during one sortie into the store, I found an unframed original painting on a circular piece of paper depicting a what seems to be a frog on a lilly pad with two flies (perhaps) on its back. The Indian signature on the front appears to be that of Norval Morrisseau. The only writing on the back is what I assume is the name of the painting, "Frog Spirit". At the time the owner of the store told me that it was an original Morrisseau and was the only one ever done on a circular piece of paper. I never thought much about it but liked it and bought it regardless. I will be happy to send you a photograph of it if it is of interest to you. There is no signature on the back and I realise there is a high probability that it is not by Norval but I am interested to hear from someone who knows. I can take a good quality color photo and send it by snail mail or I can email same to you. It is currently being reframed and rematted. If this is of no interest to you, as it would in all probability be one of thousands of non-Morrisseau's, I will quite understand.
-
Thank you for entertaining my enquiry.
-
Anonymous Collector
-
-
"Let's share Norval Morrisseau's images with the World."
spiritwalker2008@gmail.com
-
-
* Blog Master is thanking a collector for the submission of an authentic image of an original painting by Norval Morrisseau with respects to the owner and his or her decision to remain anonymous: "Frog Spirit", approx. 19" DIA, © c. late 1960s Norval Morrisseau

Bear Spirits (Part I)

-
- 1970's PERIOD
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© 1970s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"My Grandfather told me once that nobody, no matter how hard they tried, could he remember all of the legends, otherwise, the whole of Northwestern Ontario would be covered in Pictographs."
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title Not Known", © c. 1970s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Norval Morrisseau Aquatics (Part II)

-
- 1960's PERIOD
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
"Untitled" [Sacred Frogs /Frog - a Symbol of Fertility/], © 1969 Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"Why am I alive? To heal you guys who are more screwed up than I am. How can I heal you? With colour. These are the colours you dreamt about one night."
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Untitled", 15"x23", acrylic on paper, © 1969 Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Spiritual Unity (Part I)

-
- 1980's PERIOD
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© 1980s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"We Are All One in Spirit"
-
Norval Morrisseau
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title Not Known", © c. 1980s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Harmony with Nature (Part I)

-
- 1970's PERIOD-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-

-
-
© 1970s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"The genius of Morrisseau was displayed in the stories told by his paintings of Thunder Birds, the Sacred leader of the Winged ones, the Eagle, the Protector of the Ojibway Nation, the Bear, etc. etc. Morrisseau used colour in a way that brought life, awe, mystery and majesticity to our eyes and mind. Norval painted beauty and harmony within the oneness of Native Culture and Mother Earth."
-
Danny Beaton - is a Mohawk of the Turtle Clan, and is a writer, filmmaker, musician and photographer, as well as an inspirational speaker.
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title Not Known", © c. 1970s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Family Life (Part I)

-
- 1990's PERIOD-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
© 1990s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"Norval’s work captured the life not only of his own tribe but Native American spirituality with the natural world. He brought life to the spirit world which Picasso could not match."
-
Danny Beaton - is a Mohawk of the Turtle Clan, and is a writer, filmmaker, musician and photographer, as well as an inspirational speaker.
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title Not Known", © c. 1990s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Shamans of Norval Morrisseau (Part XI)

-
- 1970's PERIOD
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© 1970s Norval Morrisseau
-
-
"No one knew better of resources being extracted from Northern Ontario’s forests, hills, rivers, streams, even animals, fish, birds and human beings. Norval was a communicator for the natural world and spirit world, he was a messenger for Native ancestors, he carried his peoples intense pain and intense joy in a way that was unique. Norval painted our culture and world with awe, splendor, grace, power and beauty. He put the mystery of creation on canvass for the world to experience with their own eyes, he brought us the spirit of the bear in ways only a child, boy, man and elder sees with their inner world and maturity. That inner world of creativity, vision, hope, reality, wisdom, compassion, respect and understanding which only great leaders, teachers, healers and shamans possess.”
-
Danny Beaton - is a Mohawk of the Turtle Clan, and is a writer, filmmaker, musician and photographer, as well as an inspirational speaker.
-
-
* The painting in this posting: "Title not Known", © c. 1970s Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/