NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG

James K. Bartleman about Norval Morrisseau

2012-02-08T02:15:00.007-04:00

>>> The following is the foreword for the Maslak McLeod Gallery's "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" (2002):

"Norval Morriseau has drawn upon the spirit of the Anishinabe to create powerful images of mythical beings, woven together in art that tells of the sacredness of all forms of life. This catalogue shows how his extraordinary work gave rise to the Woodland School and awoke fresh interest in First Nations art in the cultural mainstream. As his leading role in this renaissance became more apparent, Norval Morriseau himself became a legend."

James K. Bartleman*, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (2002 - 2007)

-

* - A member of the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation
-

"Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art", 2002 (Part I)

2012-02-08T02:08:00.011-04:00

-
>>> The following 33 of 61 images of genuine Morrisseau paintings were published in Maslak McLeod's "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art", owner Mr. Joseph McLeod.

• This catalogue's foreword given by James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (click HERE)
-
-
Painting #1

" Copper Thunderbird", from the Dr. Herbert T. Schwarz Collection, c. 1960 /Front Cover of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #2

-

Page 9 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #3

-

Page 10 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #4

-

Page 11 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #5

Page 12 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #6

-

Page 13 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #7

Page 14 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #8

-

Page 15 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

NOTE: Used as an illustration in Drew Hayden Taylor's "Me Sexy: An Exploration of Native Sex and Sexuality" (Page 68).
-
-
Painting #9

-
-

Page 16 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #10

-

Page 17 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #11

-
-

Page 18 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #12

-
-

Page 19 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #13

-

Page 20 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #14

Page 20 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #15

Page 20 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #16

Page 21 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #17

-

Page 22 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #18

-
-

Page 22 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #19

Page 23 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #20

-

Page 24 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/
~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #21

-
-

Page 25 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #22

-

Page 26 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

-
Painting #23

-
-

Page 26 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #24

-
-

Page 27 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

-Painting #25

-

Page 28 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #26

-

Page 28 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~
-

Painting #27

-

Page 28 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #28

-

Page 29 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #29

Page 29 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

-
Painting #30

-

Page 30 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #31

Page 30 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #32

Page 31 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

Painting #33

Page 31 of the "Norval Morrisseau: The Development of the Woodland School of Art" © Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario/ ~ Click on image to Enlarge ~

More images to follow...

>>> Honouring of Norval Morrisseau by the Government of Canada!?

2012-02-07T10:17:00.006-04:00

--

-

Norval Morrisseau in front of "ANDROGYNY" (1983) at the National Gallery of Canada /© 2006 Bruno Schlumberger, CanWest News Service/

Created by world-renowned Canadian Aboriginal painter Norval Morrisseau, the Androgyny was installed In the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) in the Rideau Hall (Ottawa) that replaced Charlottetown Revisited, a work created by the Jean Paul Lemieux.

The loan of Androgyny to Rideau Hall was made possible thanks to a partnership with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Indian and Inuit Art Centre. The piece had been on display until 2011 and was seen by everyone visiting Rideau Hall.

"In my opinion the Government of Canada could have honoured Norval Morrisseau in a much better way if they had investigated themselves through legal authorities at their disposal these controversial and other issues that are damaging Norval Morrisseau's art market and consequently his legacy. The legacy and great body of artwork by the late Norval Morrisseau is a 'National Treasure' that will honour the commitment made by the Canadian Government in regards to our unique and diverse cultural heritage to be enjoyed by future generations of Canadians".

Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker

/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com/

> For the purposes of this blog I would like to be referred to as Spirit Walker. Miigwetch!

>>> Paintings at the Smithsonian Institution labelled fakes by Norval Morrisseau's apprentice*

2012-02-06T01:56:00.030-04:00

-
* Ritchie R. Sinclair a.k.a. Stardreamer

-
-

"Mother to All Things", 71"x42.5", © 1980 Norval Morrisseau

>>> The above presented image of an authentic Morrisseau's painting was originally presented in the "Norval Morrisseau: Travels to the House of Invention", © 1997 by Norval Morrisseau/Kinsman Robinson Galleries Key Porter Books Limited, ISBN: 1-55013-880-4/; page 111

/Currently part of the Collection of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI); Formerly in the collection of R.E. Mansfield (1937-2007), donated to NMAI in 2003; Catalog number: 26/4096/

> Click HERE to view this painting in the archives of the NMAI.

-
-

Screen capture from www.morrisseau.com (16-DEC-2009) of the same painting (Click HERE) when its webmaster Ritchie R. Sinclair called it an "Inferior Counterfeit Morrisseau" /Click on image to Enlarge/

~ This painting which was published in the book "Norval Morrisseau: Travels to the House of Invention" had been copyrighted by Norval Morrisseau and Kinsman Robinson Galleries.

>>> I was quite surprised when I saw the post "Memorable moments with Norval" (04/04/2009) from the KRG blog where it was shown that in September 1997, Norval Morrisseau made a trip to the Kinsman Robinson Galleries to attend the book launch for "Norval Morrisseau: Travels to the House of Invention" (1997) where he met, together with Gabor (Gabe) Vadas, Ritchie R. Sinclair and even had a supper with Donald Robinson's family (click HERE to view unedited version (deleted) of the "Memorable moments with Norval" and corresponding comments including the comment of Ritchie R. Sinclair which had also been deleted by the KRG blog editors).

Comment: Ritchie R. Sinclair demonstrated a very strange behaviour when he waited two years after Norval Morrisseau died (2009) before publicly labelling this and other paintings from this book as "Inferior Counterfeit Morrisseaus". When he actually had a chance to express his concerns about these paintings' authenticity with the artist 12 years earlier at "Norval Morrisseau: Travels to the House of Invention" book launch celebration in 1997?

Note: For additional information and to to view other paintings from the same book which Ritchie R. Sinclair called "Inferior Counterfeit Morrisseaus" click HERE & HERE.

"Lily of the Mohawk, 53"x23", © 1974 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlarge/

>>> “The above presented image "Lily of the Mohawk (1974) from a private collection was exhibited at "NORVAL MORRISSEAU - SHAMAN ARTIST" - The first solo exhibition featuring a First Nations artist in 126-year history of the National Gallery of Canada. Exhibition held in Ottawa, Ontario from February 3rd to April 30th, 2006.
-

-

"Lily of the Mohawk", 72"x35", © 1979 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlarge/

~ Note the inscription on the front of the canvas (bottom right) which includes the title, date (year) and recognizable signature of the artist

>>> The above presented image of an authentic Morrisseau's painting is currently part of the Collection of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI); Formerly in the collection of R.E. Mansfield (1937-2007), donated to NMAI in 2003; Catalog number: 26/4095.

> Click HERE to view this painting in the archives of the NMAI.-

Screen capture from 'Genuine vs. Fake' Category of defamatory www.morrisseau.com (30-DEC-2009) of the same paintings (Click HERE) when its webmaster Ritchie R. Sinclair called the first presented as an "Authentic" and another one as a "Forged Morrisseau" /Click on image to Enlarge/

~ Click HERE to see both of these images side by side. This confirms, more than once in the presentations on this blog, that Norval Morrisseau repeated many times his images.

BLOG MASTER'S FINAL STATEMENT: It is clear as presented herein that Ritchie R. Sinclair is labelling proven authentic Norval Morrisseau paintings which are in the archives of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) as "Inferior Counterfeit Morrisseau" and "Forged Morrisseau". This shows more than once in the presentation of this blog that his opinion cannot be trusted in a professional manner in regards to the art legacy of Norval Morrisseau.

--

>>> Reference posts:

- Blog Master's Public Address V,

- Who is Ritchie R. Sinclair a.k.a. Stardreamer?,

- 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),

- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part X),

- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part XI),

- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part XII),

- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part XIII),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part XIV),
- Changing Faces of Ritchie "Stardreamer" Sinclair (Part XV),
- The chronology of communication between Stardreamer and Spirit Walker, - The Tale of the Art of Norval Morrisseau /COURT FILE No. CV-08-00366828/, - Otavnik Vs Sinclair SC 09-00082782-0000 (Part VI) /COURT DECISION/.
-

The Morrisseau Legacy missing links (Part III)

2012-02-05T21:45:00.015-04:00

-
Steve Potosky
/Norval Morrisseau's agent in 2002/

Steve Potosky with Norval Morrisseau
'Art of the North' Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario - 2002 /Click on image to Enlarge/

~ Click HERE to view genuine Norval Morrrisseau showed behind the artist

Norval Morrisseau art still bowls over

Toronto Star - Toronto, Ontaro [Ontario Edition]

Date: March 28th, 2002

Start Page: K.07
Section: ENTERTAINMENT

A walk east along Prince Arthur Ave. toward Avenue Rd. was taking me deep into credit card country, where trained packs of Porsches lurk in underground parking lots. Just outside the Maslak-McLeod Gallery, I smelled smoke.

Uh-oh. I reached for my trusty Leatherman tool and rushed in. This wasn't a spray-on designer smoke smell. This was real smoke, from real wood.

Inside, I found no help was needed. The ashes were safely in a hearth, sort of an offering from gallery owner Joseph McLeod to the reason why anyone should be here in the first place: Norval Morrisseau.

My smoke-on-the brain cleared up like a shot. I was clobbered left and right by what I saw- actually by what the artist saw- by Morrisseau's painted moon-round owl's eyes gazing out from the canvases like baleful moon beams.

Over the fireplace is one of the better paintings hanging anywhere in Canada, Morrisseau's Self-Portrait As Copper Thunderbird. Upstairs is Nude, with the figure of a graphic, lusty naked woman, her body seemingly on fire. No dates of the pieces are available for "The Red Lake Years," as the show is called, but most of the pieces go back at least 30 years.

Dates. Time. I found myself playing catch-up really fast. I mean, just where along the way does one forget that Morrisseau's achievement, both on and off the canvas, may be the most singularly remarkable in Canadian art history, despite the misery and pain he's both endured and inflicted?

It's 40 years since his breakthrough show at Toronto's Pollock Gallery made him an international art star. Since then, it feels like Morrisseau's work has always been around, if not as an original then as one of the dozens of Morrisseau wannabes. More than just an influence on the Woodland School of Art, in the Red Lake area, Morrisseau's colours, contours and choice of imagery have become permanently fixed in the Canadian visual plain.

Ill health may be his problem but over-familiarity has become ours. Even the snazzy Prince Arthur address and the five-figure price tags on the walls for his work are part of the familiar, hence easily forgettable, Morrisseau tale.

Maybe he has been impoverished most of his life, but his art has gone upmarket and upscale, making it the archetypal late 20th- century Canadian cultural success story. It's that great liberal story where our rugged wilderness ways finally get the respect we think they deserve in the right, white-bread circles.

Morrisseau himself wasn't around at the gallery, nor was he expected. "He's sort of like the Scarlet Pimpernel," said McLeod. "He's never where anyone can find him. He likes it that way. No one knows where he is."

Actually, a little bit of sleuthing led to family now in Thunder Bay. Now 70, (or 71 or even 72, depending on your source), he's been confined to a wheel hair, suffering from Parkinson's Disease for the past six years. Until family members came to fetch him recently, he'd been in a Nanaimo B.C. nursing home.

Now back in the northwestern Ontario where most of the pieces in the gallery's show first saw the light, he's painting again. He even has an agent, Steve Potosky (Web site: www.artofthenorth.com - NOT ACTIVE ANYMORE; currently in operation as www.woodlandnativeart.com).

This doesn't mean the end to Morrisseau's ellusive ways. (He loves the trickster image, particularly when it's not on canvas.) For years March 14 has been given as his birthday, about the only fact about Morrisseau to remain unchanged and unchallenged over the years. (His birthplace, for instance, has been listed as Fort William- now Thunder Bay- in some sources, while others point to the Sand Point Reserve, near Beardmore, northeast of Thunder Bay.)

But only recently he received his new status card from the government, giving his birthday as "March 13, 1932."

"So he had two birthdays," said an acquaintance.

The Red Lake Years formally closes Saturday, but will in fact be around for the next few months, or at least as long as there is cash in local pockets to pay for the art on the gallery walls. And from what I hear, there might well be new work from Morrisseau to replace it.

WHAT: The Red Lake Years, paintings by Norval Morrisseau
WHERE: Maslak-McLeod Canadian Art, 25 Prince Arthur Ave.
WHEN: Official close March 30
HOURS: Phone 416-944-2577

Peter Goddard

Note: The images & additional info (in red) provided by Blog Master.

>>> Reference Links:
- The Morrisseau Legacy missing links (Part I) &
/Ref.: John Zabloski/
- The Morrisseau Legacy missing links (Part II).
/Ref.: Clifford & Eleanor Whetung/
-

Grant v. Torstar and the defence of responsible communication: implications for bloggers and users of other online media

2012-02-03T02:22:00.004-04:00

-
~ On December 22, 2009 the Supreme Court of Canada has released a very significant decision which affects all media news reporting companies and bloggers in Canada

"Freedom of expression is guaranteed by s. 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is essential to the functioning of our democracy, to seeking the truth in diverse fields of inquiry, and to our capacity for self-expression and individual realization."

>>> In the recent decision of Grant v. Torstar Corp., 2009 SCC 61 (“Grant”) and its companion case, Quan v. Cusson, 2009 SCC 62 (“Quan”), the Supreme Court of Canada sought to strike a more appropriate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of reputation by creating the new defence of “responsible communication on matters of public interest” (the “Defence”). The Defence allows defendants in libel cases where statements of fact are at issue to evade liability if they can show that they acted responsibly in reporting on a matter of public interest, even if the statements of fact are untrue. Prior to the decision, defendants could not avoid liability in these cases unless they showed that the statement was substantially true (the defence of justification), or that the statement was made in a protected context (the defence of privilege).

Importantly, the Supreme Court of Canada discussed and considered at some length ‘new media’ and the ability for ‘instant’ and easy publishing on blogs or webpage’s by ‘public interest’ groups. Thus, this Defence does not just apply to newspapers, but to bloggers, special interest and social networking groups:

[T]he traditional media are rapidly being complemented by new ways of communicating on matters of public interest, many of them online, which do not involve journalists. These new disseminators of news and information should, absent good reasons for exclusion, be subject to the same laws as established media outlets. I agree … that the new defence is “available to anyone who publishes material of public interest in any medium”. [Grant, at para. 96]

[Emphasis added]

Although the extension of the Defence to non-journalist bloggers and users of other online media is an important recognition of the growing relevance and legitimacy of these groups, the Defence is – at least currently – unlikely to protect most members of these groups. To gain the protection of the Defence, the defendant must establish two elements: (1) that the publication is on a matter of public interest; and (2) that the publication was responsible, in that the defendant was diligent in trying to verify the allegation. The trial judge will determine the first element. If the judge concludes that the first element is met, the jury will determine the second element, having regard to several factors:

• the seriousness of the allegation;
• the public importance of the matter;
• the urgency of the matter;
• the status and reliability of the source;
• whether the plaintiff’s side of the story was sought and accurately reported;
• whether the inclusion of the defamatory statement was justifiable;
• whether the defamatory statement’s public interest lay in the fact that it was made rather than its truth; and
• any other relevant circumstances

In assessing whether the defendant was diligent, the jury will be guided by “established journalistic standards”:

[M]any actions now concern blog postings and other online media which are potentially both more ephemeral and more ubiquitous than traditional print media. While established journalistic standards provide a useful guide by which to evaluate the conduct of journalists and non-journalists alike, the applicable standards will necessarily evolve to keep pace with the norms of new communications media. [Grant, at para. 97]

[Emphasis added]

This indicates that the same journalistic standard must be applied to every defendant irrespective of whether or not they are journalists. As a result, the Defence will likely not apply to non-journalist bloggers and users of other online media unless they perform the due diligence expected of a journalist in the circumstances.

The problem for many members of these groups is that they are generally not guided by established journalistic norms. Although they may approach online publishing in good faith and with a level of diligence reasonably expected of non-journalists, this level of diligence is unlikely to meet the required journalistic standard. For example, although journalists will generally make a point of seeking the plaintiff’s side of the story and speaking directly to witnesses and experts, non-journalist bloggers – who are generally unpaid for their efforts – will rarely have the time, resources, training, or willingness to do so. As one American commentator argues,

Blogging and journalism clearly differ. The former ‘implies that a disinterested third party is reporting facts fairly’ (Andrews, 2003: 64). Blogs are ‘unedited, unabashedly opinionated, sporadic and personal’ (Palser, 2002) – in many ways, the antithesis of traditional US journalism. Some say that is the best thing about them. ‘Journalism is done a certain way, by a certain kind of people,’ but bloggers “are oblivious to such traditions” (Welsh, 2003). [Jane B. Singer, “The political j-blogger: ‘normalizing’ a new media form to fit old norms” (2005) 6(2) Journalism 173 at 176]

[Emphasis added]

Even if a non-journalist blogger or user of other online media does engage in the level of diligence required to meet the journalistic standard, they may unknowingly fail to do so in a way that produces a strong record of evidence from which a court can conclude that they did act diligently. As a result, many of these defendants may simply not have access to the protection of the Defence.

Nonetheless, Grant does not foreclose the possibility that courts will apply a different diligence standard to non-journalist bloggers and users of other online media as the “norms of new communications media” evolve. Although the court isn’t clear on this point, these groups might be able to gain the protection of the Defence in future cases even if they haven’t performed their diligence in the same way that a traditional journalist would have:

While established journalistic standards provide a useful guide by which to evaluate the conduct of journalists and non-journalists alike, the applicable standards will necessarily evolve to keep pace with the norms of new communications media. [Grant, at para. 97]

[Emphasis added]

Even if the standard applicable to these groups does not shift to allow them to gain the protection of the Defence, juries – who have been tasked with the responsibility for assessing whether the defendant was diligent – may be sympathetic to these groups and apply the journalistic standard less rigidly.

In summary, although the Defence extends to non-journalist bloggers and users of other online media, many members of these groups are unlikely to be protected by the Defence because it requires that they performed the due diligence expected of a journalist. Nonetheless, the law does not necessarily foreclose the possibility that courts will apply a different diligence standard to these groups in future cases, or that juries will less rigidly apply the existing journalistic standard

-

Source: Defamation Law Blog
--------------/Defamation news and legal analysis with a Canadian focus/

• What media has to say?-
thestar.com: Supreme Court backs press in major libel ruling,
CBC: New Libel Defence Allowed: Supreme Court,
The Canadian National Newspaper Exopolitics Headlines:
Canada’s Supreme Court establishes new libel defence.

~ For additional information click HERE.-
-
-
>>> Reference posts:
- Constitutional Law: 'Freedom of Expression in Canada',
- Law Tips for Bloggers (Part I) /Burden of Proof in a Civil Lawsuit/,
- Law Tips for Bloggers (Part II) /Defamation Law/ &
- Law Tips for Bloggers (Part III) /SLAPP Suits/.

~ As per decision of the SUPREME COURT OF CANADA (December 22, 2009), journalists and other media, including bloggers, will be protected from lawsuits if they diligently try to verify information on matters that are in the public interest (click HERE for more information and/or check NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG's DISCLAIMER @ the bottom of this page ). ~

The Morrisseau Time Machine (Part VI)

2012-02-02T04:03:00.013-04:00

-
When: Some Time in 1985;
Where: Richmond Street, Toronto, Ontario

-
-

"Standing Brave", 100"x56", © 1985 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to Enlarge/

>The above presented image of a genuine Norval Morrisseau painting on canvas is one from the 'Subway Collection' currently available for purchase at Maslak McLeod Gallery (click HERE), owner Mr. Joseph McLeod of Toronto, Ontario. Click HERE, HERE & HERE for detailed large resolution images of sections of the above painting.

"Standing Brave", 100"x56", © 1985 Norval Morrisseau
~ Inscription on the back /Click on image to Enlarge/

Note: Inscribed with black paint "Coralyn - RENT - Norval"
~ Please refer to Morrisseau History Detective Stories (Part IV)-

> The following is a letter Norval Morrisseau wrote to his landlord Carolyn some time in 1985.

Note the envelope Norval Morrisseau used to send letter to his ladlord Carolyn: 'Northern and Indian Affairs Canada' to Norval Morrisseau (received from the Honourable David Crombie, PC, OC who at that time served as a Minister of Northern and Indian Affairs).
/Click on image to Enlarge/

~ Norval Morrisseau expressed great sense of humour by drawing a post stamp with smiley face on it!-

-

~ Page 1 /Click on image to Enlarge/

~ Page 2 /Click on image to Enlarge/

- -
-

~ Page 3 /Click on image to Enlarge/

~ Page 4 /Click on image to Enlarge/-

-
-

~ Page 5 /Click on image to Enlarge/

-
-

~ Page 6 /Click on image to Enlarge/

~ Page 7 /Click on image to Enlarge/

-

~ Page 8 /Click on image to Enlarge/

~ Page 9 /Click on image to Enlarge/

> It is clear from the painting and the letter that Norval Morrisseau worked with Mr. Julian Porter (a Chairman for the Toronto Transit Commission - TTC) and The Honourable David Crombie (a Minister of Northern and Indian Affairs) on a mural project for the University Avenue subway station adjacent to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). He was working on a $300,000 contract with the TTC (see Page 6) and at least one of the paintings (shown above) was given to his landlord Carolyn as a rent payment (see Page 8). Also, he expressed his dissatisfaction with Ritchie R. Sinclair a.k.a. Stardreamer. Telling Mr. Sinclair to leave the project because he was not getting Morrisseau and his team anywhere except to divert him from successfully negotiating the Subway project (read Pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8).

> Ritchie R. Sinclair a.k.a. Stardreamer scandalized this story about the 'Subway Collection' event on his website of www.morrisseau.com. Ritchie R. Sinclair misinformed the public that these paintings were stolen. He also publicly slandered Mr. Gary Lamont by calling him a drug dealer and forgery source. He has also stated that Mr. Lamont tried to create a history with Norval Morrisseau (click HERE for original post or click HERE for its screen capture). Also, Ritchie R. Sinclair wrote that I told him that it was Mr. Gary Lamont selling the 'Subway Collection' paintings through Maslak McLeod Gallery. I want to make it clear that I have never had any conversation with Ritchie R. Sinclair in regards to this matter and what he has posted on his www.morrisseau.com.

~ Click HERE to view another painting titled "Shaman with Medicine Turtle" that is offered for sale at Maslak McLeod Gallery (click HERE) that also appeared in a photograph taken in 1985 on the wall behind Mr. Gary Lamont and Norval Morrisseau in Richmond Street, Toronto, Ontario (click HERE to view original photograph taken with permission from Mr. Lamont's website).

> Mr. Gary Lamont a.k.a. Gary Bruce Thacky (Thunder Bay, Ontario) is the owner of www.woodlandartgallery.ca and he did not need to create a history with Norval Morrisseau. Mr. Lamont was a very close and good friend of Norval Morrisseu. Mr. Morrrisseu always kept Mr. Gary Lamont in high regards right from the very beginning of their relationship. Mr. Gary Lamont had a connection with the artist that went back to the beginning of the 1980's and Norval Morrisseau was a family friend since the early 1960's (click HERE).-

~ All the paintings presented now and in the past on www.woodlandartgallery.ca are authentic pieces of art by Norval Morrisseau.

Reference: The following individuals were mentioned in Norval Morrisseau's letter to his landlord Carolyn (building owner being Mr. Wayne Tricket):

~ Steven Harvey and Tony Liddell - rented space for Norval Morrisseau (Page 2);
~ Ritchie Sinclair - Norval Morrisseau's apprentice (Pages 2, 3, 8, 4, 5 & 7);
~ Larry from 'Bear Gallery' (Page 3);
~ The Honourable Lily Munro, Minister of Culture (Page 5);
~ Mr. Julian Porter, who was a Chairman of the TTC from 1979 to 1987 (Page 6) &
~ The Honourable David Crombie*, PC, OC who at that time served as a Minister of Northern and Indian Affairs (Pages 6, 7 & 8).

* The Honourable David Crombie served as Mayor of Toronto from 1972 to 1978 and as Member of Parliament from 1978 to 1988, during which time he served in three different federal Cabinet posts: Minister of Health and Welfare, Minister of Northern and Indian Affairs and Secretary of State.-

>>> Reference posts:
- The Morrisseau Time Machine (Part I),
- The Morrisseau Time Machine (Part II),
- The Morrisseau Time Machine (Part III),
- The Morrisseau Time Machine (Part IV),
- The Morrisseau Time Machine (Part V),
- Morrisseau History Detective Stories (Part V),
- Otavnik Vs Sinclair SC 09-00082782-0000,
- Who is Ritchie R. Sinclair a.k.a. Stardreamer? &
- CASE SUMMARY: Otavnik Vs Sinclair SC 09-00082782-0000.
-

After 3 years of RCMP & Thunder Bay Police Service investigation no evidence of fraud* found

2012-02-01T09:44:00.013-04:00

-
/This post was originally published on March 5th, 2011/

* - in regards to any painting and/or paintings done by Norval Morrisseau

--

>>> An Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigation which began in 2008 has now ended. Accusations were made about fraudulent works of art done by the late Norval Morrisseau being sold to the public by galleries, auction houses and private vendors. The police departments in Milton, Ontario and Thunder Bay, Ontario were both lead to investigate. After first contacting the Milton RCMP Detachment this writer was told by staff that the case was closed and sent to the Thunder Bay Police Service. Our first conversation began with Sgt William (Bill) Quarrell of the Thunder Bay Police Service Department (tel: 807-684-1256) afterwards. Leading the investigation in Thunder Bay his team found 'no evidence of fraud in relation to any painting and/or paintings done by Norval Morrisseau' as per our conversation over the phone. Sgt Quarrell also made note that the case was closed in Thunder Bay and that it would be re-sent back down to Milton RCMP.

We later contacted the RCMP ‘Toronto West Detachment ‘ in Milton, Ontario and spoke to the leading investigative officer Sgt Gary E. Harvey (tel:905-876-9629) Sergeant Harvey was in charge of the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area of the investigation at the time of this interviewer's call in the month of February 2011. He concluded with our conversation that his investigative team had found 'no evidence of fraud in regards to any painting and/or paintings done by Norval Morrisseau'.

SUMMARY: The case began in Milton, Ontario in 2008 with many vendors, gallery owners, collectors and private citizens questioned. This case was later moved up to the Thunder Bay Police Service Department. Both investigative branches of this case have been closed down and no arrests were ever made by these two police departments to anyone in regards to accusations made of fraudulent paintings being sold at auction houses, galleries, and by private vendors - WHICH IS CONTRARY TO FALSE AND MISLEADING STATEMENTS PRESENTED IN BLOGOSPHERE AND ELSWHERE.

NOTE: The Blog Master of the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG (Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker) was interviewed on a voluntary basis in 2009 for about 1.5 hours by Cpl Judith Falbo. Who worked for the RCMP Federal Enforcement Section in Milton, Ontario – Toronto West Detachment; and currently works at NCO I/C Kitchener Federal Enforcement Section (tel: 519-896-3542; ext 481). Cpl Judith Falbo also confirmed that after three years of investigation that the RCMP had found 'no evidence of fraud in regards to any painting and/or paintings done by Norval Morrisseau'.

BLOG MASTER'S COMMENT:

After three years of investigation by Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Thunder Bay Police Service and after four court cases over the period of five years (see reference posts listed below) nobody has ever been successful in pointing out one case where it was proven that someone made, sold, distributed or even marketed one "fake" Norval Morrisseau painting.
--

- -
-
-

>>> Reference posts:
1.1 - Otavnik vs. Vadas SC 07-51428-00,
2.1 - Michael Moniz vs. CTV Globemedia Publishing Inc.,
3.1 - Drs. Browne and Witmer vs. Bearclaw Gallery,
4.1 - Otavnik Vs Sinclair SC 09-00082782-0000 &
4.2 - CASE SUMMARY: Otavnik Vs Sinclair SC 09-00082782-0000.
--------------------------------------------------------------

- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part I),
- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part II),

- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part III) &

- Norval Morrisseau Certificates of Authenticity (COAs).-

/Signed by the artist on April 11, 2002 in Thunder Bay, Ontario/
-

>>> Morrisseau's artwork in Auction Houses, Commercial Art Galleries & Museums Around the World

2012-02-01T09:43:00.003-04:00

-
~ Reference for Morrisseau's collectors and investigators

"Ancestral Spirit with Evil Serpent", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau
~ Sold through Maslak McLeod Gallery in Toronto, Ontario CANADA
PROVENANCE: Acquired from Kahn Auctions (Randy Potters Estate Auctions), Pickering Ontario CANADA; Private collection of Mr. David Voss, Thunder Bay, Ontario
/Click on image to Enlarge/

Morrisseau's artwork in Auction Houses, Commercial Art Galleries & Museums Around the World

~ Auction Houses:

- Norval Morrisseau Authentic Paintings at Auction Houses Across North America (Part I); "LEVIS Online Auctions", Calgary, Alberta.
- Norval Morrisseau Authentic Paintings at Auction Houses Across North America (Part II); WALKER'S Auction, Ottawa, Ontario.
- Norval Morrisseau Authentic Paintings at Auction Houses Across North America (Part III); Randy Potters Estate Auctions, Port Hope, Ontario.

I appreciate all of you visiting the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG. It has proven to be an exciting success as I have always envisioned it would be. The subject of Norval Morrisseau is dynamic, exciting and can often times be perplexing. We have strived to establish continuity in documented detail of Norval Morrisseau's mysterious life and career as an Anishinaabe/Woodland artist and will continue to do so.

I wish to thank all the contributors over the years for encouraging me to continue with this monumental project. This BLOG involves thousands of people; buyers and collectors alike. It is dedicated entirely to protecting the integrity of Norval Morrisseau's art and the preservation of his artistic legacy.

Hvala/Miigwetch,

Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com/

> For the purposes of this blog I would like to be referred to as Spirit Walker. Miigwetch!

>>> Reference posts:
- Fine Art of Investment,
- Art investments can add colour to a portfolio,
- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part I),

- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part II),

- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part III) &

- Norval Morrisseau Certificates of Authenticity (COAs).-

/Signed by the artist on April 11, 2002 in Thunder Bay, Ontario/

* The acrylic painting on canvas in this post: "Ancestral Spirit with Evil Serpent", 58"x37", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau; Sold through Maslak McLeod Gallery in Toronto, Ontario CANADA; PROVENANCE: Acquired from Kahn Auctions (formerly Randy Potters Estate Auctions), Pickering Ontario CANADA; Private collection of Mr. David Voss, Thunder Bay, Ontario

>>> "The House of Invention" by Kevin Hearn - musical tribute to Norval Morrisseau (2011)

2012-01-30T00:11:00.025-04:00

-
UPDATED /January 31st, 2012/

• Genuine Morrisseau paintings from Kevin Hearn's collection
~ Still of 'National Post' video: "Collector’s Series – The Happy Mediums"

/Click on image to Enlarge and/or click HERE to view this National Post's 'You Tube' video/

Introduction: The AGO's debut (June 11th to 30th, 2010) of the new series of guest-curated exhibitions by notable personalities passionate about the arts.

Musician, artist and devoted art collector, Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies showcases works available by AR+SG that speak to his collecting interests (see above). With original artwork by Leonard Cohen, Marcel Dzama, Norval Morrisseau, Pudlo Pudlat, Lou Reed and Martin Tielli of the Rheostatics, plus Hearn's own whimsical drawings, this not-to-be-missed exhibition offers an intimate look at one of Canada's leading talents.

Note: For additional information visit Ottawa Citizen's article "Pioneer makes his final breakthrough" and previously published posts: "The Art of Norval Morrisseau in Galleries and Museums Around the World (Part VIII)" & "Another genuine Norval Morrisseau's painting exhibited at Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)".

Source: AGO Art Gallery of Ontario / Musée des beaux-arts de l’Ontario

>>> The following is the song inspired by the artwork of Norval Morrisseau, including the genuine paintings presented in the above 'You Tube' video; part of Kevin Hearn's private collection:

The House Of Invention

Here is a song about a painter you might know.
He is The Copper Thunderbird Norval Morrisseau.
He’s floating by high in the sky in a canoe.
I hope you feel the colors’ healing spell on you.

A man of conviction
On a journey, on a mission,
To find his X-ray vision,
In the house of invention.

And in the gallery heads are turning back and forth.
Somebody called him “ the Picasso of the north”.
And when I wander cloudy on a gloomy day
He’ll cheer me up like Debussy or Dubuffet.

A man of conviction
On a journey, on a mission,
To find his X-ray vision,
in the house of invention.

This is a song about a painter you might know.
He is The Copper Thunderbird Norval Morrisseau.

~ Kevin Hearn (3:16) Track Six on the album "Cloud Maintenance"

* To purchase this song (album) on iTunes click HERE.

Source: Kevin Hearn's www.kevinhearn.com

>>> Reference posts:
- Pioneer makes his final breakthrough /Ottawa Citizen/,
- The Art of Norval Morrisseau in Galleries and Museums Around the World (Part VIII) &
- Another genuine Norval Morrisseau's painting exhibited at Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
-

Claim Regarding the Estate of Renowned Canadian Artist Norval Morrisseau Resolved

2012-01-25T15:42:00.032-04:00

-
UPDATED /January 29th, 2012/

"Victoria and Family", 1978; "The Family", 1990's
/Copyright by Norval Morrisseau Estate/

VANCOUVER, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - A claim regarding the distribution of the estate of Norval Morrisseau, filed in BC Supreme Court by the seven children of Norval Morrisseau, has been resolved in an out of court settlement.

Norval Morrisseau, also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an eminent aboriginal artist who founded the Woodlands School of Art. His works often portrayed the legends of his people, and were characterized by vibrant colours and x-ray views of people and animals.

Mr. Morrisseau was awarded the Order of Canada in 1978 and was acknowledged as Grand Shaman of the Ojibwa in 1986. He died on December 4, 2007.

In the settlement, Gabor Vadas, the executor and sole beneficiary under Mr. Morrisseau's will, and the Morrisseau children have agreed to share in the artist's estate. The agreement recognizes the significant relationship Norval had with Gabor Vadas and the Vadas family, and also ensures that the Morrisseau Family shares in their father's artistic legacy.

Ted Charney, co-counsel for the Morrisseau family, said, "This settlement ensures that the children of Mr. Morrisseau are able to share in management of their father's artistic legacy while also recognizing the important role that the Vadas family played in Mr. Morrisseau's life."

The Morrisseau Family wishes to enhance the legacy of Norval Morrisseau's art and aid his own native community through projects such as a memorial meeting house for artists in Keewaywin, museum exhibits and retrospectives and proper management of the copyright of his art.

Mr. Vadas, who was adopted by Mr. Morrisseau in accordance with the artist's shamanistic traditions, views the settlement as an opportunity for the parties to reconcile past differences and focus on increasing public understanding of Norval Morrisseau's art.

Michael Miller, counsel for Mr. Vadas and the estate, commented that, "The cooperation between the Morrisseau children and Mr. Vadas will help ensure that the integrity of the works of one of Canada's foremost artists is protected and maintained."

Amy Francis, co-counsel for the Morrisseau family, also expressed optimism that, "The Morrisseau children and Gabe Vadas will now be able to move forward together, working to protect and enhance the important cultural legacy left by Norval."

The Morrisseau Family was represented by Amy Francis of Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers in Vancouver, BC and Ted Charney of Falconer Charney LLP in Toronto, Ontario.

Gabor Vadas and the Estate of Norval Morrisseau were represented by Michael A. Miller and Manuel A. Azevedo, Barristers and Solicitors, Vancouver, B.C.

For further information:

Theodore P. Charney
Falconer Charney LLP
(416) 964-3408
tedc@falconercharney.com

Michael A. Miller
Barrister and Solicitor
(604) 685-7207
mmiller@direct.ca

Source: CNW 'Canada Newswire'

Related articles from other media:
~ Morrisseau children reach out-of-court settlement over artist’s estate /The Globe and Mail/,
~ Family of renowned B.C. aboriginal artist settles legal dispute with 'adopted' son /The Vancouver Sun/, ~ Photos: Norval Morrisseau and his art /The Vancouver Sun/ & ~ Norval Morrisseau family, beneficiary make a deal /CBC/.
-
*The paintings in this post shows a celebration of Norval Morrisseau's first grandchild from his daughter Victoria and Norval Morrisseau with Gabor M. Vadas & Michele Vadas with their first-born child: "Victoria and Family", 1978, © Norval Morrisseau Estate; "The Family", c. 1990's; © Norval Morrisseau Estate /Collection of Gabor & Michele Vadas/

Animated short inspired by the life of Norval Morrisseau's grandson nominated for Genie Award

2012-01-25T08:02:00.004-04:00

-
* The Genies are the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars

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

--
-
-
-

CHOKE Poster
/Click on image to Enlarge/

On January 17th, 2012 the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television at simultaneous news conferences in Toronto and Montreal nominated CHOKE in the Best Animated Short category of the 32nd Annual Genie Awards.

CHOKE
/Written & Directed By Michelle Latimer; Produced By Michelle Latimer & David Miller/

When Jimmy leaves his First Nations reservation, drawn by the lures of city life, he finds himself confronting a world he could never have imagined. In his encounters with the city’s lost souls, he is reminded that no matter how far you travel, you cannot escape who you are. Inspired by the life of the late teenaged artist Kyle Morrisseau (grandson of famed painter Norval Morrisseau), Choke uses stop-motion animation to explore themes of urban isolation and the individual search for identity in modern society.

-

Source: 'Five animated shorts nominated for Genie Award'
/Big Cartoon News/

Note: Kyle Morriseau (1992-2009) was from Keewaywin First Nation, Ontario, CANADA. He started painting in January 2008, after the passing of his grandfather Norval Morrisseau. He felt proud to help keep the Morrisseau family tradition and stories alive. He had three art shows with his father Christian and one with his grandfather’s works. Kyle Morriseau was a student at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

>>> Reference posts:
- IN MEMORIAM: Kyle Morriseau (1992-2009),
- The Last Homecoming of Norval Morrisseau (Part I),
- The Last Homecoming of Norval Morrisseau (Part II),
- Norval Morrisseau's Family (Part I),
- Norval Morrisseau's Family (Part II) &
- In memory of Harriet Morrisseau (Kakegamic).

* Norval Morrisseau & Harriet Morrisseau (Kakegamic) have 7 children by direct bloodline (David, Michael, Peter, Eugene, Christian, Victoria and Lisa), 17 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren.

>>>> Morrisseau Family Vs. Gabor Michael Vadas... A trial date: Februrary 27, 2012

2012-01-24T10:12:00.009-04:00

-
UPDATED /January 29th, 2012/

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

--
-
-
-
The adult children of artist Norval Morrisseau, including Lisa Morrisseau Meekis, left, and Victoria Morrisseau Kakegamic, are challenging their father's will, alleging undue influence by his executor, Gabor Michael Vadas. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Morrisseau Family Vs. Gabor Michael Vadas-

The late Norval Morrisseau was one of Canada’s most famous and influential artists. Falconer Charney together with co-counsel in Vancouver represents the children of Norval Morrisseau in their lawsuit to set aside the Last Will and Testament of their father. At stake are the rights to the late artist’s images, name and reproductions.

A trial date has been set for Februrary 27, 2012.

© Falconer Charney LLP

-

~ Click HERE for the "Notice of Civil Claim" &
~ Click HERE for the "Response to Civil Claim".

>>> Reference posts:
- Norval Morrisseau's children sue over will (Part I),
- Norval Morrisseau's children sue over will (Part II),
- Morrisseau Family Foundation,
- About the Morrisseau Family Foundation,
- The Last Homecoming of Norval Morrisseau (Part I),
- The Last Homecoming of Norval Morrisseau (Part II),
- Norval Morrisseau's Family (Part I),
- Norval Morrisseau's Family (Part II),
- In memory of Harriet Morrisseau (Kakegamic),
- Norval Morrisseau's Final Resting Place, - Extra! Extra! Copyright for the Artistic Legacy of Norval Morrisseau has been registered! & - Certificate of Registration of Copyright for 'The Artistic Legacy of Norval Morrisseau'.
-
* Norval Morrisseau & Harriet Morrisseau (Kakegamic) have 7 children by direct bloodline (David, Michael, Peter, Eugene, Christian, Victoria and Lisa), 17 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren.

Universal Power of Morrisseau Art

2012-01-23T01:12:00.000-04:00

-
"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

"Untitled" /In Honour to Ojibwa Indian Motherhood/,
© 1977 Norval Morrisseau /Click on image to Enlarge/
~ the first Blog Master's Norval Morrisseau Acquisition

Blog Master speaks...

It has been 12 years today since I acquired my first Morrisseau painting on Janyary 23, 2000. I would like to take advantage of this occasion to welcome the newcomers to this internet platform and thank all regular visitors for continuing support.

INVITATION TO ALL READERS:

There are many of you who possess important valuable information such as paintings, photographs and other printed/written materials which will greatly assist our common goal. I urge you to provide this information to me for public record. Norval Morrisseau has become one of Canada's greatest all time artists and is recognized for his importance Worldwide.

Your assistance is needed now! Your actions will greatly benefit your art as an investment and safeguard Norval Morrisseau's Legacy.

Hvala/Miigwetch,

Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com/

> For the purposes of this blog I would like to be referred to as Spirit Walker. Miigwetch!

* The painting in this post: "Untitled" /In Honour to Ojibwa Indian Motherhood/, 31"x26", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau; PROVENANCE: Private Collection of Ugo Matulić a.k.a Spirit Walker; acquired on January 23, 2000 from an art dealer Mr. Anthony Martinenko (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and it was sourced from the Private Collection of Mr. Rolf Schneiders (Thunder Bay, Ontario).

Is NMHS' silence golden?

2012-01-19T01:54:00.002-04:00

-

Illustration by Spirit Walker --
"NORVAL MORRISSEAU HERITAGE SOCIETY (NMHS)", Est. 2005

"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."

Mission Statement -

~ Committee members of the NMHS are as follows:

* Elizabeth McLuhan - Dept. of History, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba;
* Dr. Ruth Philips - Professor of Art History, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario;
* Greg Hill - Audain Curator and Head of the Department of Indigenous Art at National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario;

* Lee Ann Martin - Curator of Contemporary Canadian Aboriginal Art, Museum of Civilization (not a member anymore);
* Viviane Gray - Indian and Inuit Art Centre, Dept. of Indian Affairs & Northern Development, Ottawa, Ontario (not a member anymore);
* Carmen Robertson - an associate professor of contemporary Aboriginal art history in the Department of Visual Arts, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan (a NEW member);
* Richard H. Baker - Barrister and Solicitor.

> NMHS could be contacted at norvalmorrisseauheritage@gmail.com or you may click above on each NMHS members' names to e-mail them about your questions, concernes & satisfaction or dissatisfaction of their achievements to date.

BLOG MASTER'S COMMENT: Why are they silent? Is their silence approval for what has been happening in the Norval Morrisseau Art Market? 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.

Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com/

-
- -
-

>>> Reference posts:
- Open Letter to the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society,
- The truth behind 'Open Letter to the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society',
- The story which preceded the 'Open Letter to the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society'... & - Blasphemy (Part II).
-

The Power of Love

2012-01-18T01:41:00.003-04:00

~ "The Hellen E. Band Collection"; Thunder Bay Art Gallery

/Click on image to Enlarge/-

"The love on earth reflects the love above. No quality of human endeavour is without the unremitting love of the Creator. Your gift to the world is yourself. Where you stand the Creator stands.

One day you will understand what I understood when I did my paintings."

NORVAL MORRISSEAU, Ojibway

* The artwork in this post: "Spiritual Self Looks Beyond", 48"x36", © Norval Morrisseau; See page 128 of THE ART OF NORVAL MORRISSEAU /Lister Sinclair, Jack Pollock, and Norval Morrisseau/; ISBN: 0-458-93820-3 /Toronto, Ontario: Methuen, 1979./

>>> NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG Celebrates Muhammad Ali's 70th Birthday

2012-01-17T02:59:00.002-04:00

Portrait of Muhammad Ali (Athlete Series), © 1977 Andy Warhol
/Click on image to Enlarge/

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

Muhammad Ali

-

>>> NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

2012-01-16T00:17:00.002-04:00

x

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. King has become a national icon in the history of modern American liberalism.

King's efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. There, he expanded American values to include the vision of a color blind society, and established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986... On January 17, 2000, for the first time, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was officially observed in all fifty U.S. states.

Source: Wikipedia

-

This blog has more than 1,800 posts & more than 140,000 Unique Visitors since March 3, 2008

2012-01-08T04:44:00.015-04:00

-

"Wheel of Life" , 35"x35", © 1979 Norval Morrisseau
~ Click HERE to view the inscription on the reverse side of canvas

"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 14th, 1962

- -
-
-
* The authentic acrylic painting on canvas in this post: "Wheel of Life", 35"x35", © 1979 Norval Morrisseau; /CURRENT OWNERSHIP: Private Collection of Ms. Maggie Hatfield/

Forensic Document Examination (Part I)

2012-01-06T08:00:00.014-04:00

"Father and Son", 30"x30", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau;
~ Analysis of the inscription on the reverse side of canvas by Mr. Brian Lindblom - Forensic Document Examiner /Click on image to enlarge/

Forensic document examination – the science today
Author : Dr. Audrey Giles
Date : May 2010

The scientific examination of documents has been an integral part of forensic science for almost a hundred years and many of the techniques developed over that period are still in use today. However, time does not stand still. The technology used to produce documents continues to evolve; the methods used to produce forgeries are ever more sophisticated; the expectations of lawyers and Courts are yet more demanding.

But forensic science is not sitting on its hands either – advances in techniques and technology mean that the forensic document examiner is fighting back.

What is a forensic document examiner? Who to instruct?

Document examiners are trained scientists. This means that they are trained in scientific method and objectivity, in assessing evidence and drawing conclusions. A good forensic document examiner is expected to hold a University Degree in a basic science – these individuals invest in their training. They have trained alongside forensic scientists and in established forensic science laboratories. They can demonstrate their continued education, having a record of attending meetings, producing research papers and refereeing journals. Very importantly, any forensic document examiner you wish to employ should have invested in equipment and laboratory facilities.

Wrongly, there is a perception that the forensic examination of documents, and particularly handwriting, is something which anybody can carry out on their kitchen table. No – forensic document examination takes place in a properly equipped forensic document laboratory. One group in particular, graphologists, frequently offer their services to the legal profession as forensic handwritings specialists. (These individuals are trained in the pseudo-science of determining personality features from handwriting.) This has absolutely nothing to do with the forensic document examination, and identification of handwritings and signatures as carried out by forensic scientists. Another group who offer services to the legal profession are scientists who have had a long career in official forensic science laboratories who then retire and, without a stick of equipment, reckon to provide the same level of work as they did in their fully equipped forensic document laboratories. They can’t – the science has moved on. No matter how impressive their CV, an invitation to hold a conference at their ‘laboratory’ will quickly clarify their actual working status!

...

To continue reading this article by Dr Audrey Giles who leads the scientific work of The Giles Document Laboratory click HERE.

~ This article is based on a lecture given on 22 January 2010 at the Chancery Bar Association, London.

Source: STEP JOURNAL
/Wealth Structuring Analysis for Trust and Estate Practitioners/
~ 'Forensic document examination – the science today'

>>> Reference post:

- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part I),
- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part II),

- Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part III) &

- Norval Morrisseau Certificates of Authenticity (COAs).

/Signed by the artist on April 11, 2002 in Thunder Bay, Ontario/

* The illustration was shown in Downloadable Norval Morrisseau Forensic Reports (Part III).