1931 - 2007 Norval Morrisseau is one of the most original and important artists, native or otherwise that Canada has produced. Norval was the first to paint the ancient myths and legends of the eastern woodlands, stories previously passed down by the oral tradition. He spent his youth in remote isolation in northern Ontario, near Thunderbay, where his artistic style developed without the usual influences of other artist's imagery. 
As the soul originator of his "Woodland" style he has become an inspiration to three generations of artists.
As the soul originator of his "Woodland" style he has become an inspiration to three generations of artists. Norval was brought up by his grandfather who introduced him to Ojibwa shamanism and told him the stories and legends passed down amongst the Ojibwa people. Norval began producing images to illustrate these stories. He would draw on the sandy beaches of Lake Nippigon with a stick and let the waves take the images away. He was told by some that it was taboo to relate these stories.
Norval Morrisseau is not a man that is easily dissuaded by ancient taboos. He developed his style, adding striking color to his paintings and eventually took them south to Toronto where they were meet with rave reviews. His work now hangs in all of the most prestigious museums in Canada and around the world. He has received an honorary degree from the Royal Academy of Arts and is a member of The Order Of Canada, the highest civilian honor in Canada. In 1989 he was the only Canadian Painter to be invited to participate in the "Magicians Of The Earth" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, France. He has had numerous solo shows across Canada and the US.
His work invokes our memories of childlike simplicity His colors effect us in ways that are not immediately apparent. His visions, like ancient taboos that have turned into dreams of the future, come to life on canvas and paper. They are talismans of the future and images of respect of the past.
"Family of Birds"
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canvas size 30" X 23.5"
595 s/n
canvas size 38 X 30"
595 s/n
Norval Morrisseau
RED SUN FINE ART Calgary Alberta Canada T2Z 1R9 A division of ARTWEST - WE SHIP WORLDWIDE!
$400.00 cdn
$550.00 cdn
"Flowers and Birds"
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canvas size 38" X 19"
595 s/n
canvas size 30 X 60"
595 s/n
$400.00 cdn
$550.00 cdn
"Heavenly Brothers"
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canvas size 19" X 36"
595 s/n
canvas size 28.5 X 54"
595 s/n
$375.00 cdn
$675.00 cdn
The Assembly of First Nations
Morrisseau was acknowledged as Grand Shaman of the Ojibwa in 1986 and, in 1995, the Assembly of First Nations bestowed on him their highest honour, the presentation of an eagle feather.
The Artist’s Vision
Morrisseau’s work invokes our memories of childlike simplicity His colors effect us in ways that are not immediately apparent. His visions, like ancient taboos that have turned into dreams of the future, come to life on canvas and paper. They are talismans of the future and images of respect of the past.
Shaman - Artist
“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.”
These are the words of Norval Morrisseau, Aboriginal Canadian artist, storyteller, Grand Shaman and founder of the Woodland School of Art. Morrisseau has accomplished his aim and more.
"Loon Family"
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canvas size 23" X 33"
595 s/n
canvas size 29" X 42"
595 s/n
$425.00 cdn
$550.00 cdn
"Medicine Bear"
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canvas size 26" X 26"
595 s/n
canvas size 36 X 36"
595 s/n
$375.00 cdn
$575.00 cdn
Sacred Medicine Bear
"The Ojibwa have great respect for the Bear. According to their legends, in the distant past the Bear had a human form and was in fact an ancestor of the Ojibwa. Therefore he understands the Indian language and will never attack or fight any Indian if he is addressed properly." - Norval Morrisseau
The Woodland Style
Norval spent his youth in remote isolation in northern Ontario, near Thunder Bay, where his artistic style developed without the usual influences of other artist's imagery. As the soul originator of his "Woodland" style he has become an inspiration to three generations of artists.
"Sacred Thunderbird"
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canvas size 35" X 30"
595 s/n
canvas size 42.5" X 36.75"
595 s/n
$525.00 cdn
$675.00 cdn
"Shaking Tent"
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canvas size 30" X 35"
595 s/n
canvas size 36.25" X 42.5"
595 s/n
$525.00 cdn
$675.00 cdn
The Shaking Tent Ceremony
The Ojibwa believe that the natural world was inhabited by both good and evil spirits, some of which required special treatment. A Shaman would cure the ill and perform Shaking Tent rites to communicate with the spirits. A Shaking Tent rite was a popular ceremony among the Ojibwa. The client would pay a Shaman to build his or her tent and the Shaman would enter it at dark. Singing and Drumming was used to summon the Shaman's spirit helpers, whose arrival was signaled by the shaking of the tent and animal cries. The spirits were used to cure the ill.
The Copper Thunderbird
Morrisseau's unusual Indian name -- Copper Thunderbird -- indicates he is a go-between, an Oshkabewis. . By having an Indian name for thunderbird-made-of-copper, Morrisseau unites the two warring powers of underwater-underearth and above-sky. It seems likely that this was done more elaborately in the Shaking Tent rites that his grandfather practiced.
“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.” - Norval Morrisseau
COPPER THUNDERBIRD
“Few artists have the gift and ability to fulfill the criteria that establishes the Reputation of a really great artist – a creator of masterworks. Certain artists speak for a time in history, some for a place, some for a people, And some perfect a new way of seeing – a universal for an entire world. Rare, indeed, is the artist – painter who does all these, Morrisseau is one of these.”
