Indigenous Artists

 So today, I thought I would introduce you to some Indigenous Canadian artists.

Also, here is a reminder that art is subjective, some work will speak to you and others won't.

And another thing, supporting an artist doesn't mean only buying their largest pieces. If you like a print, and can only afford the postcard size, treat yourself. You deserve nice things. Just be sure you are buying from a source where the artist gets their cut. 

Norval Morrisseau

Bird Family


Morrisseau was born on March 14, 1932, on the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation.  He was often called the "Picasso of the North".  His work featured the beings in the legends of his people, the struggles of the Indigenous people, and his own beliefs and struggles. Also known as Copper Thunderbird, Morrisseau was a self-taught artist who founded the Woodslands School of Canadian art; and was a member of the Professional Native Artists Incorporation. A piece of Morrisseau's was chosen to be the cover of Bruce Cockburn's album "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws". While there has been a spate of fakes and forgeries, the estate of Morrisseau and the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society is working to find which galleries are producing the fakes, and stopping them.

Daphne Odjig

Pillar Of Strength


Odjig was born on September 11, 1919, on the Unceded nation of Manitoulin Island in Ontario. After a bout of rheumatic fever at the age of 13, Odjig was forced to leave school and wound up spending a lot of time with her grandfather who encouraged her to recuperate through art. Her art is characterized as "Woodlands Style" also known as pictographic style. 

Kenojuak Ashevak


Ashevak was born on October 3, 1927, in the Inuit camp Ikirasaq, on the southern coast of Baffin Island. After her father's murder when she was six, Ashevak moved with her mother and two siblings to her grandmother's home. It was there that she learned of traditional crafts and the family made money by repairing seal skins for the Hudson's Bay Company. 

There are many other artists that you could look for. Bill Reid, Teresa Young, and Colleen Gray just being a few. Check them out if you are so inclined. I will be back tomorrow to introduce some Indigenous Canadian musicians.


Shopping Corner


Stones, Bones, and Stitches


Bill Reid Collected














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