Owls (timeless) Norval Morrisseau

Owls

Norval Morrisseau

Acrylic on paper, 32” x 20”

“What I teach the people many times is that attitude and attention will determine the whole course of our lives. Get rid of fear and that is all you ever have to get rid of. Fear of anything at all.”

Norval Morrisseau

This quote is vintage Norval Morrisseau. A teaching as deep as it gets. It is literally the crux that my life pivots on.

Norval asked me to ask myself two questions on a regular basis.

What is my attitude?
Where is my attention?... because wherever it is, that is where I'm at.

To this I added two other profound considerations passed on by another "life" mentor, the late Lila Cole, mother of my oldest friend, Garth Cole, who testified at trial on both my and Norval's behalf today.

Am I willing?
Am I able?

Four simplistic questions, until you see them in concert. Spirit ignites and it's magic.

Attitude becomes "altitude".
Attention becomes "intention".
Willing becomes able.... and magic happens.

Norval was a unique teacher. His lessons are unforgettable. They are experiential gifts that develop one's power to "rise" to the occasion. This teaching can be viewed visually as a formula...

So how did it go in Court today? It was magic. WAAA - with a little "Just Be" and a ton of "All is Well". Like a game of chess, court is all very easy at the beginning when both sides lose the odd pawn. It's tough later on in the heat of battle and it finally ends in checkmate on January 11 2011. Bet on Spirit. I am.

I don't know when Norval painted "Owls" but its timeless, isn't it? This is just one of dozens of owl paintings by Norval. What I love about them is how cute they all are. I published this one because I felt like that little owl in court today, keeping my eye on the ball.

The big owl with his wings around me? Why, that's all of you, and your great (spirit) attitude. Thanks folks! You really outdid yourselves. All day I was in a bubble of clarity, peace and something else really extraordinary. It was a wonderful day.

I woke up with the song, "We are the Champions" by Queen dancing in my head this morning. It was there throughout the day. It's still playing in my head in stereo even now. I wonder why?

Stardreamer

Ritchie Sinclair (2008 - 2010) A Protege of Norval Morrisseau - Signs Off



" My eyes are now wide open and I see an overwhelming ever-growing body of evidence that tells me that I absolutely must do what I can to stop this. What I see are dangerous, dark pieces of art, that I for one would not hang above my bed and expect a good night's sleep."

Ritchie Stardreamer Sinclair

October 20 2008

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The defendant was referred to by counsel in their submissions both as Ritchie Sinclair and Stardreamer. The defendant describes himself as the "artistic apprentice" of Norval Morrisseau. Consistent with the allusion to which I have already referred, the defendant expresses a concern that: "Many of the works that are attributed to Norval Morrisseau however, are in fact counterfeit, and have been produced solely for the purposes of capitalizing off of Norval Morrisseau's fame and market value". It seems, from the record, that the defendant has made it his personal concern to identify, uncover, make known and even publicize works said to be those of Norval Morrisseau which he believes are false. In his affidavit, he says: I have no interest in identifying counterfeit Morrisseau paintings other than to perform a public service and to assist in protecting the legacy of one of Canada's foremost artists.

Lederer J.

Excerpt from the Judgment of December 8, 2008

Ontario Superior Court of Justice

***

From October 2008 through November 2010 I published sensitive information about the proliferation of inferior counterfeit Morrisseau art. With the assistance of many (from all sides) who supplied materials, including Norval Morrisseau himself by way of his explosive sworn declarations, we painted a picture.

I have an undeniable faith in "truth" rising to the top. While identifying pieces in the forgery puzzle hasn't solved the problem I take comfort in knowing that the Norval Morrisseau forgery issue is the subject of a comprehensive R.C.M.P. investigation. I expect the very best from them.

The moment has finally arrived to turn my part in this effort over to Spirit and the Canadian authorities and turn my attention toward preparations for a spring exhibition of new art by myself and fellow Morrisseau protege, Brian Marion, to be held at the Lane Gallery in Yorkville.

Images of counterfeit Morrisseau art archived on Morrisseau.com will remain public to guide educators and students. Particularized information identifying forgers, distributors, suppliers and purported sources of fake Morrisseau art will be deleted from my websites. I feel compelled from within to do so.

I have developed a deep appreciation for our little circle of integrity and intent. Our shared desire for authenticity has rippled out to an ethical universe. We can expect results my friends.

May the Blessings Be

Ritchie Sinclair
November 10, 2010

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Death Devourer of Human Flesh (1964) Norval Morrisseau

Death Devourer of Human Flesh

 Norval Morrisseau

(c.1964). Tempera on heavy light brown paper. 81.3 x 142.3 cm.

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Norval Morrisseau (1979) Peace with the Sinclair Family

Peace with the Sinclair Family

- Norval Morrisseau with Ritchie Sinclair's Mother -

Christmas 1979
*

In 1979 Norval named me Stardreamer and I was hired to apprentice with him. From day one Norval was a trusted guide through the world of Spirit. He never let me down. He never took advantage of me, nor did I take advantage of him. Norval and I shared a passion for making art and exploring Spirit.

Norval wasn't old at 47. He perceived himself as a youthful brother - and as a mentor. In 1979 I was 22. Now I'm 53. I've had time to reflect on the mentors in my life. Elders pass on their truth. It is a rite of passage. To a Shaman artist what could be more natural than apprentices? We are talking about fine art and Shamanism. Vocations where hands-on apprenticeship is a must.

A Great Spirit

Ritchie Sinclair

60" x 252" on six panels, acrylic and copper on canvass, 2008

This great artist and this grand shaman in one chose me because I was already worthy. I knew Spirit and Art before I ever met him. I was utterly dedicated to both. Norval (and my family) knew it. As such, Norval and I shared a wonderful friendship over decades.

Norval and I painted a number of paintings together in 1979. We both signed this one and gave it to my youngest brother as a Christmas gift. Norval also gave each member of my family a buffalo-head nickel and sang Christmas carols at the piano with my Grandmothers deep into the night.

Christmas 1979 with the Sinclairs

Ritchie's mentor, Norval Morrisseau, his Aunt, Mother, his Mother's Mother

Middle - His Father's mother and his brothers
Front - Ritchie Sinclair and his dog.

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To my loved ones. I'm so grateful for having shared life with people who love and respect me. The very best to my Grandmothers, my Aunt and Norvy, who persist only in Spirit. In sweet memory, lovingly recorded, we keep their legacy's nearby, within our beating hearts.

Stardreamer