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David Morrisseau (1961 - ) Artist’s Statement: “A power created life so that it seeks knowledge, understanding and peace. My art explores the trinity of the human condition. I work from myth because it speaks truth. I employ motif because it contains spiritual power. I paint vibrantly because it heals. I offer my art with respect and gratitude to the Great Spirit.” David Morrisseau was born in 1961 in Sandy Lake, Ontario to Norval Morrisseau and Harriet Kakegamic. Raised by his Cree grandparents David and Patricia Kakegamic, David grew up speaking fluent Cree and Ojibway. Inspired by his father’s work, it was his grandfather that gave him his first brush and paint set when he was 12 years old. His uncle Joshim Kagegamic, also a talented painter, taught him about highlights and encouraged him to work in bright colours. David’s vibrant and unique paintings explode with colour and strong images while respecting the traditions of his Ojibway heritage. Using natural talent and a strong spiritual focus, David has carved out his own artistic path. He has developed his own style by following personal dreams and philosophy. “Artistically speaking, I don’t stand in my father’s shadow. My Dad had his own ideas and philosophy. I get mine from my own path. I am an artist in my own right,” said David. David’s style is distinct from that of his father. The thick black lines characteristic of Norval Morrisseau are not seen in David’s paintings. David’s style is more refined. They are also more figurative, using peaceful images and symbols which are easily recognizable yet still very much connected to his native culture. David arrived in Toronto at the age of 16. David spent some time with Norval, but sadly received no support or encouragement from him to pursue the artistic career that he believed he was destined for. From the period of 1985-1995 he had a troubled life, with the loss of his mother and his uncle. It wasn’t until 1996 that he was able to overcome his personal difficulties, drawing inspiration from the healing power of his Native culture and deep commitment to the religious path of Ekankar, the ancient science of soul travel---a spiritual path also shared with his father. With an educational grant from the Manitoba Art’s Council, David was able to develop a greater technical mastery of form, line and use of pure colour, from this formal training. Another grant from the Canadian National Arts Foundation gave David training in silk screening, a medium that lends itself particularly well to the Eastern Woodland style. It was these bright joyous colours and smooth lines interconnected with contemporary Ojibway motif that would become his unmistakable trademark. Today, David likes to work in pure hues, what he calls “the masculine primaries red, yellow and blue juxtaposed with the feminine secondaries, violet green and orange straight out of the tube.” His smaller canvases have as much of an impact as the larger pieces. Truly the sign of a gifted and talented painter. It is easy to tell the gender of an animal, person or shaman in his paintings, by his use of colour. The relationship between humans and animals is far more complex, as is the science of numbers, geometric patterns and the myths used to pay homage to the Creator and Mother Earth. And if you look hard, you will find a little chickadee, a member of David’s own spiritual bird clan. David has had many exhibits across the country with several of his paintings selling in auctions in Toronto and Montreal. Recent Exhibits & Endeavours: 2009 – Artist in Residence – The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
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