Norval Morrisseau

It's a strange world when you think of how far the great can fall. These are the mean and unforgiving streets of the lower east side.
Morrisseau spent much time here, a place many don't survive. this is where Morrisseau met Gabe, the place from which Morrisseau and Gabe both escaped and found sobriety and stability.
I have spent alot of time in this area, a place filled with countless broken dreams and shattered souls, where death and violence lurks in every shadow.
Morrisseau navigated through this and more in his lifetime, it is from here on his final "visit"
that he was able to find the peace, trust and stability he so needed.
Perhaps this was the only place Morrisseau could blend into, a place where others left him to be.
No art dealers or greedy investors vacation here.
Canada and the world for that matter has lost something that will never be replaced, a Master.
History will be kind to Morrisseau, in the years to come, many will be exposed for what they are, battles over untold wealth will be vigorously battled for, and like many on the skids, the good life will come to a screeching halt once the fake works are revealed.

How I almost met Morrisseau?

Although the print in this blog is clearly not a Morrisseau, it is relevent in that this work first introduced me to the world of Canadian First Nations art.

Harris Smith belonged to the People who are commonly called Kwagiulth (Kwakiutl), his family originates from both Oweekeno Village and Campbell River. sadly he passed away several years ago.
Harris Smith ( LALKAWAILAS ) Please Google and take a look for yourself.
I credit this artist alone in introducing me to the art of the First Nations People.

WAS IT MORRISSEAU?

In the late 80s I was a poor UofW student in Toronto with a few hours to kill before my train left for London. I catch a buzz , and as I'm cruzin downtown TO I see and ad at Union station advertising an exhibit around the corner featuring the works of First Nations People.
I decided to head down and take a look, thinking that if there was any fee to get in, I was outa luck.

outa luck I was , $8.00 to get in. As I leave and pass the side/back of the building, I can see/smell a guy puffing on some weed, not one to pass an opportunity to partake, I casually head down the alley, as I approch the guy who is dressed in a deerskin jacket I start to think that this is probablly a exhibitor, or a guy on the skids?
I make no eye contact as I approach, just as he finishes his smoke. Outa luck again.
He opens the backdoor and says "wanna go in?" still not looking at him I slide inside, kinda proud, but shamed for not paying to get in.
busy place, I was buzzed and amazed at the work, I finally work my way to the table of Harris Smith, and I saw it, this print. I was stunned and frozen by the face of the moon, a voice says to me, you like it? I say yes and ask how much? knowing I couldn't buy it regardless the price. The woman squacks "it's 60 bucks"
I just about shit, but tried to be cool. after what seemed like hours I apologized and started to walk away, when Harris said "hey" I turned and walked back to the table, and he looked at me and said, "that guy thinks I should give it to you for free".
I look over to the next booth to see that same guy who let me in the back door, the guy in the deerskin jacket. sitting back, well away from his table, along the wall in a chair surrounded by dozens of bright acrylic paintings a HUGE GRIN on his face.
He was looking right at me. I was stunned, I had no idea who the man in the deerskin jacket was, I still can't be sure, but just maybe it was the Master himself.
I thanked Harris profusely, and waived to my "smilin amigo" and headed for that train.
to this day, I often think about the generosity of Harris, and that man, that day, they really did witness the birth of a first nations artlover .

Several great and confusing things happened that day, I fell in love with this art form, I got a free work of art from a guy I had never met, and I just might of met Morrisseau.

I often look at pictures of Morrisseau, but I just can't remember the face clearly enough.
the lesson here may be, kids, don't smoke pot, good things may happen in life ?
but greater thing may be missed.
two of my favourite artists are now gone, but never forgotten.

thank you for taking the time to read my post today, and remember. itsallaboutart.

Norval Morrisseau Bear Skull

A spectacular work reported to be by Morrisseau has been submitted for the world to see.

the owner of this piece will be posting his details on this work. I am greatful that this picture has been submitted and encourage others to do the same.

this is certainly new to me, as I have never seen anything like it before. STUNNING.

what else can I say? any comments ?

The big puzzle

Here is my second posting, again I ask for comments and thoughts of those who share the passion of the first nations art and it's contibution in our lives.

this work came from the same place as the previous posting, it too is unsigned and undated. It measures about

8" x 10" the frame seems to be from the 70s or the 80s ?

again your thoughts are welcome. if you would like to post pictures on this site, please email me at

hard2findart@gmail.com I will post the picture and you are free to post you text .

Norval Morrisseau

Norval Morrisseau

Welcome to the blog.

I would be intrested in hearing from anyone who may be able to shed any light on the work presented here. This unique work is done on a small puzzle about 4" x 5''.

it seems to be well played with but overall in decent condition.

I have no idea how old the work is? but it does show age. the quaity of the work is good.

I hope others will post pictures of works which the community could help by providing valuable info or opinions. this forum is open to all, please note that personal attacks relating to the integrity of dealers, sellers and those who choose to post comments will not be tolerated.

I am not claiming this as a work of Mr Morrisseau, but would be intrested in what others may think?