The Artistic Legacy of Norval Morrisseau In Action (2010)

Morrisseau Inspired Artists

Don Wright, Mark Anthony Jacobson, Brian Marion and Ritchie Sinclair

Winter Solstice Eclipse - December 21 2010

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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

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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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Norval Morrisseau proteges Ritchie Sinclair and Brian Marion (1994)

Norval Morrisseau chose Brian Marion and Ritchie Sinclair to seed with enhanced artistic vision over extended periods of time. I have now known Brian for more than three decades. I consider him my beloved brother. I know that Norval loved and appreciated him too.

Ritchie Sinclair and Brian Marion

The Omega Centre - Toronto - 1994

In front of a Stardreamer original entitled., The Offering"

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Brian is a profoundly intelligent artist with commanding composition skills that present core teachings of Spirit within a traditional framework. I find his work exhilarating. He has so much to offer. He is also a fine teacher. Unfortunately he struggles with diabetes related illnesses, including phantom pains from the loss of a leg last year.

In spite of that he paints on. I witnessed him working on a new 8' x 4' canvass the other day. I hope one day people realize that saturating the Woodland art market with Morrisseau fakes has been extremely detrimental to Woodland art and artists in general. Brian Marion is a case in point. How sad that greed so often gets in the way and worthy people suffer because of it.

This whole fiasco of the fraudulent mis-use of Norval Morrisseau's identity leads me to consider the merit of removing identity from those who don't deserve it because of their atrocious acts.

One receives an Indian "name" because they deserve it...and are it. What if in like kind, for crimes against humanity, monsters lose their identity entirely,

For example, what if nine years ago "the People" had removed Bin Laden's identity from society, adding him to a list of revoked names? He would henceforth be known only as K-1454. In Ontario we have current news headlines about a predator confessing to his sickening acts. He receives notoriety and a thrill because of it. Monsters like this should go down in history as mere numbers and letters without meaning, or family. Excommunication from humanity is unfortunately, a reality.

Should people who steal the identity of others pay with losing their own identity? I don't think so. Its too high a price to pay. Still...It makes one consider the value of identity and the ruthlessness of stealing something so sacred from another.

I look forward to the transparent humanity of the future and an end to power-tripping in all its forms. We can be better than that.

The Meeting Place Mural

1994 - First International Pow Wow - Skydome - Toronto

Thunderbird School of Shamanistic Art

Ritchie Sinclair and Brian Marion
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"The aboriginal-inspired mural by Star Dreamer (aka Ritchie Sinclair), consisting of 28 linked canvas panels, was created as the centre piece of the lst Toronto International Pow Wow at the Skydome in Toronto in l994. Ritchie occupies a unique place in the Canadian pantheon of artists as the Scottish - lineage protege of Ojibway shamanistic artist Norval Morrisseau. The mural depicts the native legends of the formation of North America , contrasted with Toronto's contemporary architecture, like the CN Tower." It is 20th century Canada's version of the native totem pole," says Ritchie. It includes a cameo contribution by fellow Morrisseau protege, native artist Brian Marion and remained on view at BCE Place to mid-April. "

Artfocus Magazine

Spring 1997

THE MEETING PLACE CONSISTS OF 28 SEPARATE, STRETCHED, CANVASSES, WHICH TOGETHER, CREATE A UNIQUE ARTISTIC INSTALLATION - THE MURAL TOOK 5 YEARS TO COMPLETE AND HAS BEEN PAINTED WITH A VARIETY OF ACRYLIC MEDIUMS THAT REACT SPECTACULARLY UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHTING CONDITIONS - THE MURAL, IN FACT, WILL GLOW IN THE DARK, TO REVEAL THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE GREAT SPIRIT, SYMBOLIZED.


THE ARTWORK ITSELF STRETCHES 21 FEET ACROSS AND STANDS 16 FEET IN HEIGHT THE CANVASSES ARE SQUARE, YET THEY ARE HUNG IN A DIAMOND-LIKE FASHION SYMBOLIZING. THE 4 DIRECTIONS, THE 4 SEASONS, THE 4 STAGES OF LIFE, THE 4 RACES, THE 4 KINGDOMS IN NATURE, THE 4 BODIES OF SENTIENT LIFE, THE 4 ELEMENTS, AND THE 5TH ELEMENT SYNTHESIZING THEM ALL... THE GREAT CREATIVE SPIRIT.

Note: The mural entitled, "The Meeting Place" and the painting above entitled, "The Offering" are amongst art that was stolen by Randy Potter Auctions of Port Hope colluding with Centron Self Storage of Toronto.

Stardreamer

Shaman with Medicine Powers (1978) Norval Morrisseau

Shaman with Medicine Powers

 - Norval Morrisseau -

acrylic on canvas, 1978, 71" x 41"

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(Portrait of Brian "Little Hummingbird" Marion)

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2009 Endorsement of Ritchie Sinclair

written by Brian Marion

Filed in Otario Superior Court - August 2010

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The Order of Canada for Dr. Norval Morrisseau

On December 18, 1978, Norval Morrisseau became a member of the Order of Canada. He was invested on April 25, 1979 by Governor-General Edward Schreyer at Government House in Ottawa. Morrisseau was accompanied by his apprentice Brian Marion. The citation reads as follows:

"Artist working at Beardmore, Ontario. His paintings which have been shown in public galleries across Canada express his Ojibway heritage with such distincivness that he provides inspiration to younger Indian artists."