>>> Brian Marion, an apprentice to Norval Morrisseau passed away last night in Toronto, Ontario

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Brian Marion a.k.a. Little Hummingbird (1960-2011)
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"Meeting of Two Nations",  © 2008 Brian Marion
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>>> Brian Marion a.k.a. Little Hummingbird was born October 6, 1960 in Kamsack, Saskatchewan growing up amongst the Saulteaux and Cree of the Prairies and the Ojibway of the Northern Woodland of Ontario.

In 1975 Brian began a nine-year apprenticeship with Norval Morrisseau, the internationally renowned Canadian Native Artist and founder of the Woodland School of Art. In reference to Mr. Marion, the great artist has said, "During those years of training, Brian learned both the spiritualism of the Ojibway culture and the technique of Shaman art."

"As an artist, Morrisseau continues, he has learned to apply colour to forms that were derived, in part, from ancient pictographs still found in the central region of Canada. While he developed his artistic talents, he was taught to use the meanings of the legends as a basis for composition in his painting. He has acquired the knowledge from the visions of our people and has come to understand our close ties with nature. He is able to get inspiration from his native spirituality and with the blessing of the Creator, add his own emotional and intuitive interpretations to produce beautiful art."


 

















Norval Morrisseau, becoming a member of the Order of Canada was accompanied by his apprentice Brian Marion (left); © 1979 John Evans  -
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>>> Brian Marion’s many achievements include a show with Norval Morrisseau at First Canadian Place, a mural commissioned by the African National Congress "Mandela Free Leonard Peltier next?"’ and a mural "Rainbow World" for the Young People’s Theatre. Other accomplishments include his artwork featured in a music video with Robby Robertson, John Tridell and Buffy Ste. Marie, three books published by Prentice Hall/Ginn Publishing, and a poster commissioned by IKEA Canada.

In 1994 Brian was chosen to represent Canada at the 50th Anniversary D-Day Celebrations in Normandy, France.

His work has been shown in Milan and at the Canadian embassy in Chicago, promoting aboriginal art as part of Canadian trade missions to these countries.

His work is featured in many private and corporate collections around the world including that of the Prime Minister of Canada.
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Source: www.brianmarion.com & other sources

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>>> Reference posts:
- Norval Morrisseau's Legacy Continues (Part IV) &
- Norval Morrisseau, a member of the Order of Canada.
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