Will the real SpiritWalker please stand up?

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~ This post has been trasferred from the KINSMAN ROBINSON GALLERIES blog ~-

--/Used without permission/-Originally published on 05/07/2008 (blog deleted on 06/26/2009)
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--Since you asked: Who is blogger Spirit Walker? Here's a brief Q&A: How long has he admired the artist? Over many years though he started his blog mid-November last year. He came to our attention when he first approached KRG seeking advice as a fledgling collector a number of years ago. Is he of Native descent? Nope—though he would probably prefer that you were left with that impression—Eastern European, Croatian to be exact. He arrived in North America as an adult. Has he ever had any connection to Norval Morrisseau? Nope, no direct contact with the artist that we've ever heard about. Does he work in the Arts, as his profile indicates? Nope, he's an engineer. (Once indicated before he changed his profile.) There is a Native American performer named SpiritWalker who resides in New Mexico (thespiritwalker.com), but he's not the one commenting on Morrisseau. So where does this "Spirit Walker" get his expertise? Damned if I know. Norval attracted many admirers during his lifetime; it seems no different in death. (Blog Master: Mozete li podnositi istinu?)*

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* - (Blog Master: Mozete li podnositi istinu?) - it should be written in Croatian language as "Blog Master: Možete li podnijeti istinu?" /English translation: "Blog Master: Can you handle the truth?"/

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>>> Reference posting: Will the real SpiritWalker please stand up?

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~ As of May 10th, 2009 this post does not exist anymore due to its deletion by the KRG blog editors and on June 26, 2009 the blog has been deleted by the Kinsman Robinson Galleries. As of 08/06/2009 the blog has been reinstated but this time open to invited readers only!? (click HERE to view screen capture of the original post with all pertaining comments)
 

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The real Spirit Walker is standing up!

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From left to right: Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker with his brother Jakša after the screening of one of the "Winnetou" films; Omiš, Croatia - July 1966
~ Source: An Unofficial Website of Omiš, Croatia at www.almissa.com
/Click on image to Enlarge/


It is encouraging to see that some positive action is finally being taken to solve the 'induced' counterfeit scare that this blog has attempted to bring into proper perspective. This has been the concern of many collectors, including myself, who invested in Norval Morriseau paintings over the years. If you count the number of comments the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG received and reviewed on this subject since its inception (note date), you will see this blog concentrated only on the research and educational approach to this exaggerated problem. But before a final solution can be reached about this controversy/conspiracy, that has been pushed to the forefront on some blogs, those concerned have to identify the problem before a solution can be found. This requires a team effort and not an attempt to monopolize the Norval Morrisseau market as appears to be the primary aim of some major players.

So let's start with the Wednesday, May 7, 2008 Kinsman Robinson Galleries' blog* comment under the title "Will the real Spirit Walker please stand up? (click HERE to view screen capture of the original post with all pertaining comments)." If you read the text under that heading and ignore the racist slant that is, in a sense disparaging to all Canadian immigrants, including the Governor General of Canada, one would get a feeling that to appreciate Canadian native art a person has to be either a native Canadian or Canadian born. Since Spirit Walker doesn't have to qualify by birth to run for the highest government office, or enjoy art in Canada, I found the pointed remarks in the KRG blog of May 7, 2008 disgusting and 'racist' in the true meaning of the words. I could expand at length of how surprised I was to read this 'expose' of Spirit Walker and could only assume that KRG were primarily interested seeking a Norval Morrisseau art monopoly even if it meant destroying another blog. Also one that would go to any length to eliminate any opinion that might differ from theirs about what is an authentic Norval Morrisseau art.

Yes! I was foreign born. In Croatia to be exact. But as a child I saw, and continue to see, the Indians of North America as members of an outstanding race. My favourite childhood memory was the time when 'spagetti western' movies were filmed in Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia) and as a memento from that time were countless memories and a photograph presented above. When I emigrated to Canada my aim was to become a true Canadian and contribute to the advancement of this outstanding country. I also wanted to advance the cause of the First Nations Citizens. The best way I could do this appeared through advancing the cause of native art. Researching the background of native artists and their lives has shown the adversity these artists had to overcome to become recognized. Some wonderful people emerged through this research, as did the hardships the art goddess imposed on many of these talented artists.

I could go on and on about the sniping that emanated from KRG and associated blogs. The insidious manner in the way this was done was sad because it used a combination of rumours, misinformation and lackeys to achieve this end . Typical of the latter was the Richie 'Stardreamer' Sinclair's effort. All friendship at first and then an 'expose' based on misinformation. Then the filthy language comments from another claimed 'apprentice' from the West Coast that I couldn't print. But at least it didn't have a racist slant. Now KRG is introducing a questionable confession by Christian Morrisseau indicating how his father signed false Certificates of Authenticity (click HERE to view screen capture of the original post with all pertaining comments). How a son can accuse his father of a criminal act when he isn't alive to defend himself? Is it a ploy of desperation on the part of KRG... must add, 'and associates' to ensure there is a discrediting conspiracy?

Now it seems that there is a chance of progress in the Morrisseau counterfeit and other authentication problems by the decision of the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society. The KRG blog of March 4, 2009, indicated that Elizabeth McLuhan has taken up the task to catalogue the life's work of Norval Morrisseau (click HERE). This is daunting task for Dr. McLuhan and the rest of the NMHS. I for one wish them well. To produce such a catalogue without the assistance of commercial art studios will be difficult. More so not to be influenced by some of the major ones. But just starting this daunting task is a step forward and one that all native artists and native art enthusiasts will welcome.

Back to the lead in quote, "The real Spirit Walker is standing up", I was surprised, and gratified, when an old and long time friend of Norval Morrisseau emailed me to apologize for the May 7, 2008 'expose' on the KRG's blog. He indicated that he didn't agree with everything that I printed, and was shocked at the KRG's racist comment. He felt KRG didn't mean to be racist and were likely carried away with whatever triggered their 'expose'. He went a step further to indicate that there were a lot of people following the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG and learning a lot about native art and history from it. He also praised some of the people that helped Norval Morriseau during his lifetime, indicating that Gabor and Michele Vadas hadn't received the credit due for helping to extend his artistic life at least 20 years beyond general expectations. I didn't fully agree with him on that comment but will post it anyway. So there you have my latest feeling and fear that there is something going on to exclude everyone from the Morrisseau heritage canvas except a certain Principal Morrisseau Dealer.

Meegwetch,

Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com/





* - Genuine Morrisseau from KRG blog is an official blog of the Kinsman Robinson Galleries /Principal Morrisseau dealer - Representing Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007) and his artwork over the last twenty years./


>>> Reference postings:
- Others about NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG (Part I),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part I),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part II),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part III),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part IV),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part V),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part VI),
- McLuhan shares memories of artist Norval Morrisseau &
- Will the real SpiritWalker please stand up?

~ As of May 10th, 2009 this post does not exist anymore due to its deletion by the KRG blog editors and on June 26, 2009 the blog has been deleted by the Kinsman Robinson Galleries. As of August 06, 2009 the blog has been reinstated but this time open to invited readers only!? (click HERE to view screen capture of the original post with all pertaining comments)

>>> The photograph of Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker with his brother Jakša was taken by the Indian totem in Radmanove Mlinice after the screening of one of the "Winnetou" films; Omiš, Croatia - July 1966.
~ Source: www.almissa.com /Ugo Matulić - Webmaster/

>>> Click HERE to view the above photograph in its original context
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Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part X)

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>>> NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG & Protecting the Legacy of Norval Morrisseau continues...
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"Thunderbird with Hatchlings", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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The painting presented in this posting titled "Thunderbird with Hatchlings" (1976) by Norval Morrisseau is another one that appeared on Ritchie Sinclair's website www.stardreamers.com in "Woodland Art Online" Gallery under the category: "Norval Morrisseau - Masterpieces" and stayed there for more than three years.
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Presented below is a screen capture of the "Search" page of Ritchie Sinclair's website (Click HERE) where you could by searching for the word "masterpieces" find that painting titled "Thunderbird with Hatchlings" (1976) had been presented in the "Norval Morrisseau - Masterpieces" Gallery since September 1st, 2005.
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The same information cannot be found at www.stardreamers.com anymore due to deletion of the "Woodland Art Online" Gallery by webmaster Ritchie 'Stardreamer' Sinclair as explained in "Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part I)".
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Screen capture from www.stardreamers.com proving the existance of the "Norval Morrisseau - Masterpieces" Gallery and painting in question /Click on image for larger view of this screen capture/
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The same painting titled "Thunderbird with Hatchlings" (1976) has been presented at www.morrisseau.com as an "Inferior Countrfeit Morrisseau" since October 2008.

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Screen capture from www.morrisseau.com (20-APR-2009) of the painting titled "Thunderbird with Hatchlings", 1976 (Click HERE) when its webmaster Ritchie 'Stardreamer' Sinclair called it an "Inferior Counterfeit Morrisseau" (NOTICE FOR THE "COURT FILE No. CV-08-00366828" HAS BEEN OMITTED FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THIS POSTING!) /Click on image to Enlarge/
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>>> IMPORTANT NOTE:
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In the same painting titled "Thunderbird with Hatchlings" (1976) the Government of Canada was interested for its reproduction to be displayed at the Lake Superior Provincial Park. Click HERE (see page 4) to view .pdf file of the Norval Morrisseau's sworn declaration where he stated "Thunderbird with Hatchlings" (1976) to be a fake and/or an imitation. The painting in question was exhibited at Gallery Sunami of North York, Ontario.
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This and other Norval Morrisseau's sworn affidavits is just a manipulation of Gabor (Gabe) Vadas by which he tried unsuccessfully to take control over the Norval Morrisseau's secondary art market by discrediting large body of work done by Norval Morrisseau (Click HERE).
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Several of these affidavits can be found in an article about Norval Morrisseau on 'Wikipedia' in a section 'Fakes and Forgeries' completely taken out of context which has also become the part of the 'Norval Morrisseau Conspiracy' being uncovered on this blog and elswhere. The same affidavits can be found on www.morrisseaubuyersbeware.com also completely taken out of context by its webmaster Jonathan Browne.
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More of my views in regards to the Norval Morrisseau's sworn affidavits will be presented in future postings on the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG. -
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>>> BLOG MASTER'S COMMENT:
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The reason why I started this blog more than 17 months ago was due to false statements made by Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Coghlan Art Studio & Gallery and individuals* (a List of Individuals presented at the end of this paragraph) closely associated with Norval Morrisseau regarding paintings in question. I felt the need to create a platform that will speak for Norval when this priviledge to speak for himself was put in the hands of others that were only interested in their personal financial gain by putting the Legacy of Norval Morrisseau aside.
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I am dissapointed that Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society is not honouring their mission statement which states:
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"The Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society was established at the request of Norval Morrisseau to research, document and preserve his artistic achievement and protect the integrity of his art. It seeks to achieve this mission by establishing and maintaining a registry of his works, publishing and updating a catalogue raisonne of his artistic output and providing the necessary expertise to authenticate his art."
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-Why are they silent? Is their silence approval for what has been presented on www.morrisseau.com? If they truly care in "protecting the integrity of Norval Morrisseau's art" they would need to speak up. Their silence is hurting the legacy of the man they are supposed to protect and the longer they wait to publish a public statement regarding this matter presented herein, the longer the legacy of Norval Morrisseau will suffer.
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This website www.morrisseau.com is a disservice to Norval Morrisseau, his legacy and the people of Canada. It is full of lies put forth by the people who have little or no expertise to judge the authenticity of Norval Morrisseau's and who are acting only for greed of others using false histories as their methods of deception.
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I am a strong believer that Norval Morrisseau's Legacy belongs to his people "the Great Ojibway" and to family that bears his name - Morrisseau Family.
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"May the truth be told and known to all"
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Meegwetch

Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com /
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* - Donald (Don) Robinson of the Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Bryant Ross of the Coghlan Art Studio & Gallery & Gabor (Gabe) Vadas, who for the last 20 years of Norval Morrisseau's life functioned as Mr. Morrisseau's guardian, business manager and 'adopted' (although not legally so) son.
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>>> ADDITIONAL NOTES:
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After starting the 'Norval Morrisseau Art Market Devaluation Attack' Mr. Sinclair added the following disclaimer note at the end of each of the pages on his website www.stardreamers.com in "Woodland Art Online" Gallery:
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"The images posted in this archive are not for sale. They are simply pictures that I collected from various internet art sources years ago and posted here for inspiration and enjoyment. With the exception of paintings that I witnissed painted or Exhibited by Morrisseau I have no way of discerning whether the images shown here are all authentic Morrisseau originals. Nevertheless, Enjoy!"
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... Still, even after admitting that 'he has no way of discerning what is and what is not an original work by Norval Morrisseau except those he witnessed painted or Exhibited by Norval Morrisseau' he was able to label hundreds of paintings in galleries all across the North America and private collections as "Inferior Counterfeit Morrisseaus" without even seeing them and examining them in person (see his website www.morrisseau.com under the category "Counterfeit Norval Morrisseau Art").
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... Also, Mr. Ritchie 'Stardreamer' Sinclair stated in his disclaimer that he posted said images 'for inspiration and enjoyment' and after three years of exhibiting them on www.stardreamers.com he claimed on his other website www.morrisseau.com the following:
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"I stand by my opinions on the artwork that I have pointed to as forged. I don't blame any gallery for selling them but I consider it their responsibility to be as informed as possible about the work they promote. Once informed if they continue to sell forged artwork they join the Windigo spirit that drives this enterprise."
(Click HERE to read Mr. Sinclair's comment in it's entirety)
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How is it possible Mr. Sincalir that painting titled "Thunderbird with Hatchlings" (1976) that you posted 'for inspiration and enjoyment' for more than three years on www.stardreamers.com in "Woodland Art Online" Gallery under the category: "Norval Morrisseau - Masterpieces" out of a sudden becomes an "Inferior Counterfeit Morrisseau" painting on www.morrisseau.com?
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>>> CLOSING STATEMENT:
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The capture of my findings proves one thing only. That Mr. Sinclair who is claiming to be a protégé of Norval Morrisseau is well aware of his 'hypocritical and lying past activities' which have come to the fore in real time 'cought red-handed' as it were in trying to cover up his scheme of 'Norval Morrisseau Art Market Devaluation Attack' but was unsuccessful at deleting critical and damning evidence supporting his slanderous activities.
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>>> Reference postings:
- Thunderbirds of Norval Morrisseau (Part V),
- Blog Master's Public Address V,
- Blog Master's Public Address VI,
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part I),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part II),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part III),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part IV),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part V),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part VI),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part VII),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part VIII),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part IX),
- Manipulative Nature of Gabor Vadas (Part I),
- www.NorvalMorrisseauLegalDefenceFund.com &
- Justice for Norval Morrisseau Found. -
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* The painting in this posting: "Thunderbird with Hatchlings", 48"x24", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/

Earth Day 2009

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"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/

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"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/

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"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/

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"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/

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"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/

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"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/

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"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/

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"Min konst vill överbrygga nationella, språkliga och andra hinder. Den vill befästa den andliga styrka somalltid präglat Ojibwa-folket." -- /Swedish/

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"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/

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Norval Morrisseau

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Note: Send tanslations in other laguages of Mother Earth for the above stated Norval Morrisseau's quote to: spiritwalker2008@gmail.com. Meegwetch, SW

~ "The Writing on the Wall... Norval Morrisseau Conspiracy Exposed." ~

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* This post has been revised on January 4th, 2010 (click HERE)
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Internationally acclaimed artist Norval Morrtsseau, centre, was awarded a sacred eagle feather by friend and fellow artist Blair Debassige, right at the OCF Friday. Mr. Morrisseau's adopted son Weekan*, left, was on hand for the ceremony. -

Debassige presents an eagle feather to idol: internationally acclaimed artist Morrisseau
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Jennifer McCauley,
The Manitoulin Expositor, published September 29, 1999
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M'CHIGEENG - It was a poignant moment for M'Chigeeng artist Blair Debassige as he presented his idol, interna­tionally acclaimed artist Norval Morrisseau, with an eagle feather, the highest honour an aboriginal person can receive.
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The sacred ceremony was held last Friday at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (OCF) in M'Chigeeng. When one receives an eagle feather, that person is being acknowledged with gratitude, love and ultimate respect, says Mr. Debassige, who owns Nimkee art gallery in M'Chigeeng.
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"I hold a lot of respect for Norval as an artist, but also as a friend," be says. "This is my way of honouring him." Mr. Morrisseau could not describe the depth of feeling receiving a sacred Ragle feather invokes. "It is like receiving a star on Hollywood, but better," he says.
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The intensity of emotion cannot be described by English words, says Weekan, Mr. Morrisseau's adopted son. "There is no way to trans­late those feel­ings from Ojibwe into English," he adds. "The only compari­son I can make is the intense feelings you fall in love with someone and every­thing is per­fect."
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The ceremo­ny began with Paul Nadjiwan, executive director of the OCF, leading the M'Swanoodin singers in an opening song as they rhythmatically beat the ceremonial drum. The feather was then prepared with sacred tobacco. In this way, the eagle and the Creator are notified of the name of the new eagle feather holder. After the feather was pre­pared, Weekan, accompanied by Mr. Debassige, pushed Mr. Morrisseau's wheelchair around the circle in time to the drum's beat.
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All those who came to witness the cere­mony were encouraged to dance behind Mr. Morrisseau to demonstrate their support. At the song's conclusion, Mr. Debassige presented the feather to his "role model."
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Anyone who receives an eagle feather must make a home where the feather will be kept. The feather also must be fed by holding or wearing it at sacred ceremonies. By doing this, the feather becomes recharged with sacred energy.
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Mr. Debassige's dream was finally realized with Mr. Morrisseau's visit to Manitoulin. Since the age of 13, Mr. Debassige has dreamed of painting in his studio with the man who has become known as the father of Woodland Indian art.
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Mr. Morrisseau plans to use his time on the Island to paint and prepare for the Kinsman Robinson Gallery Show in Toronto next month. The show, which will com­bine old and new paintings, will be the largest exhibition of his work to date. Painting aside, Mr. Morrisseau, who suffers from Parkinsons disease, came to the Island to partake of tra­ditional Anishinabae healing.
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"I consider Manitoulin Island to be the most sacred place in Canada." he says. "Cleaning the toxins from my body is the only way I'm going to get better." The Island air helps to clear his mind and the beauty please his artistic eye, Weekan says.
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"Norval has told me a lot about Manitoulin Island," he adds. "He has helped me to understand the spiritual force that exists in this place. There is so much energy here."
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Since his arrival on the Island last Wednesday, Mr. Morrisseau has begun six new paintings in traditional Woodland style. This type of painting has been termed x-ray vision in the past because the artist depicts the inner work­ings or feelings of the subject.
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The dozen of Mr. Morrisseau's paintings dis­played at Nimkee gallery are explo­sions of vibrant color depicting aboriginal imagery. Bright melon, canary yellow, fuchsia, vermilion, aqua­marine, violet and royal blue bring the pictures to life, emphasizing, the black outlines of the subjects. Occa­sional touches of softer pastels or earthy brown tones soothe the eye.
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"I paint with these colors to heal," he says. "My paint­ings honor the "Ahneesheenahpay" ancestors who have roamed the Great Lakes for centuries upon centuries. My art records and preserves the legends, art, songs and beliefs of the "Ahneesheenahpay," not only for this generation, but for all future "Ahneesheenahpay."
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The compositions, which range in price from $3,200 to $15,000, are painted on canvas or Arches paper. Unlike most artists, Mr. Morrisseau draws his inspira­tion from his "inward reserves" rather than looking to his surroundings or environment for ideas.
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"My heart and soul is reflected into my mind and my mind is reflected into my hands."
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His inspiration originates from the stories and legends he heard as a boy. Born in 1932, on the Sand Point Lake Reserve north of Thunder Bay, he learned traditional Ojibwe customs, values and beliefs from his grandparents.
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During his youth, Mr. Morrisseau received his "mis­sion" from his grandfather to share through art all of the values he was taught to respect about the Ojibwe culture.
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It was in the 1950s, while hospitalized with tuberculosis that he began painting and drawing his visions on birch bark and brown paper bags. Although his beginnings were humble, he now has more than 40 one-man shows under his belt.
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Mr. Morrisseau wears many hats. Aside from being a renowned artist, he is also a Shaman (or medicine man) and a published author. In Travel to the House of Inven­tion, he pens a powerful account of his life and art career.
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From the first time he picked up a brush, painting became his passion, he says. Over the years that passion has grown and strengthened.
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"There is no other way to describe it," he says. "To paint is to live."
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* Weekan - Gabor (Gabe) Vadas
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Source:
- "Debassige presents an eagle feather to idol: internationally acclaimed artist Morrisseau"
/to view an original The Manitoulin Expositor's article click above/
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~ As per conversation with Kathleen Debassige, former co-owner of Nimkee Art Gallery. She told me that Norval Morrisseau had stayed for 10 days in the gallery in September/October of 1999. She also stated that at no time were there any negative or critical comments made by Norval Morrisseau regarding the gallery’s art collection. She said that he stayed initially for one week and then went into Toronto to open an art show at Kinsman Robinson Galleries. After the exhibition he came back to M'Chigeeng and stayed with them at the gallery for another three days before going back home to Nanaimo, British Columbia. She also mentioned that he signed the gallery’s guestbook and he allowed many photos with numerous people and his art to be taken. As a closing statement she mentioned that he painted many new artworks in the gallery’s studio and that he genuinely enjoyed his visit as much as they enjoyed having him.
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1. Norval Morrisseau in a truck in front of the OFC
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2. Norval Morrisseau and Gabe Vadas during the ceremony at OFC
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3. Norval Morrisseau with OCF executive director Paul Nadjiwan
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4. Norval Morrisseau with artist David Migwans at OCF
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5. Norval Morrisseau with Kathleen Debassige's daughter Sabrina
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6. Nimkee Art Gallery, M'Chigeeng, Ontario
Lower level - Art Gallery
Upper level - Studio; where Norval Morrisseau stayed during his visit
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7. Norval Morrisseau at Nimkee Art Gallery Studio
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8. Norval Morrisseau and Gabe Vadas at Nimkee Art Gallery Studio
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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9. Norval Morrisseau and a tourist at Nimkee Art Gallery Studio
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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10. Norval Morrisseau painting at Nimkee Art Gallery Studio
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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11. Norval Morrisseau wearing hat Kathleen Debassige made from his bear fur robe at Nimkee Art Gallery /Click on image to Enlarge/
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12. Norval Morrisseau with Kathleen Debassige and her children Sabrina, Dakota and Raven at Nimkee Art Gallery
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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13. Norval Morrisseau talking with Kathleen Debassige while her children Dakota and Raven running in a background at Nimkee Art Gallery /Click on image to Enlarge/
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14. Kathleen Debassige's daughter Sabrina and a friend with Norval Morrisseau at Nimkee Art Gallery /Click on image to Enlarge/
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15. Norval Morrisseau with William McMullan and a friend at Nimkee Art Gallery /Click on image to Enlarge/
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16. Norval Morrisseau with Gloria McMullan at Nimkee Art Gallery
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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17. "Untitled", 58"x138", © 1979 Norval Morrisseau, painting on canvas exhibited at Nimkee Art Gallery
(Collection of Kathleen Debassige) /Click on image to Enlarge/
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18. Norval Morrisseau smiling in front of the painting "Untitled", 58"x138", © 1979 Norval Morrisseau, painting on canvas exhibited at Nimkee Art Gallery
(Collection of Kathleen Debassige) /Click on image to Enlarge/
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19. "Untitled", 58"x138", © 1979 Norval Morrisseau, painting on canvas exhibited at Nimkee Art Gallery
(Collection of Kathleen Debassige) /Click on image to Enlarge/
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20. Norval Morrisseau signing Nimkee Art Gallery guestbook
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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Blog Master's comment:
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Here are 20 photographs of Norval Morrisseau including the Manitoulin island 'Eagle Feather Ceremony' at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (OCF). These photographs clearly show Norval Morrisseau's contentment and credibility concerning the paintings that these few individuals have publicly slandered as 'questionable' but has now been exposed for the 'conspiracy' surrounding this whole issue. The paintings in the backgrounds are authentic Norval Morrisseau paintings from the 1970's period. The Eagle Feather Ceremony is a sacred ceremony. Norval Morrisseau knew that with his full heart and soul. It has been said by these individuals that Norval Morrisseau did not have record nor paint in this common style. Which is at the heart of this conspiracy to corner the market by these few scrupulous individuals by trashing this great period and body of work by Morrisseau so that they can sell their much 'later period work' which they hold inventory stock in for sale.
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To these people it's all about 'beating out the competion' through slander and disinformation spread by themselves. A spiritual man of Morrisseau's calibre would not 'dare' to accept' an eagle feather in such a spiritually charged place as Manitoulin Island under 'false pretense' of his artwork clearly shown displayed on the walls of the gallery where this ceremony had taken place. Mr. Morrisseau would have considered this 'sacreligious' to say the least and would not put his soul and spirit in jeopardy if he didn't feel right about being there and having his own artwork prominently displayed and be awarded an eagle feather.
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>>> The reason why I started this blog more than 17 months ago was due to false statements made by Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Coghlan Art Studio & Gallery and individuals* (a List of Individuals presented at the end of this paragraph) closely associated with Norval Morrisseau regarding paintings in question. I felt the need to create a platform that will speak for Norval when this priviledge to speak for himself was put in the hands of others that were only interested in their personal financial gain by putting the Legacy of Norval Morrisseau aside.
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I am dissapointed that Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society is not honouring their mission statement which states:
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"The Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society was established at the request of Norval Morrisseau to research, document and preserve his artistic achievement and protect the integrity of his art. It seeks to achieve this mission by establishing and maintaining a registry of his works, publishing and updating a catalogue raisonne of his artistic output and providing the necessary expertise to authenticate his art.
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"Why are they silent? Is their silence approval for what has been presented by individuals in question? If they truly care in "protecting the integrity of Norval Morrisseau's art" they would need to speak up. Their silence is hurting the legacy of the man they are supposed to protect and the longer they wait to publish a public statement regarding this matter presented herein, the longer the legacy of Norval Morrisseau will suffer.
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Megwetch,
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Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com /
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* - Donald (Don) Robinson of the Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Bryant Ross of the Coghlan Art Studio & Gallery & Gabor (Gabe) Vadas, who for the last 20 years of Norval Morrisseau's life functioned as Mr. Morrisseau's guardian, business manager and 'adopted' (although not legally so) son.
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Reference Postings:
- > Gatherings of Norval Morrisseau (Part I),
- >> Gatherings of Norval Morrisseau (Part I) Addendum A,
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part I),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part II),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part III),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part IV),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part V),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part VI),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part VII),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part VIII),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part IX),
- Morrisseau History Detective Stories (Part I),
- Morrisseau History Detective Stories (Part II),
- Morrisseau History Detective Stories (Part III),
- Morrisseau History Detective Stories (Part IV),
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part I),
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part II),
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part III),
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part IV),
- Blog Master's Public Address V,
- Blog Master's Public Address VI,
- David Voss about Donald Robinson,
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit_com (Part I),
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit_com (Part II),
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit_com (Part III),
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit_com (Part IV),
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit_com (Part V),
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit_com (Part VI),
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLawsuit_com (Part VII),
- www_NorvalMorrisseauLegalDefenceFund_com,
- Justice for Norval Morrisseau Found,
- Sacred Medicine Wheel /Forensic Report/,
- Sacred Medicine Bear /Forensic Report/ &
- Thunder Bay's Norval Morrisseau vs. Jack Pollock's Norval Morrisseau (Part I).
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