Carol Podedworny, “Arthur Shilling”, exhibition catalogue, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, 1986, page 8, another portrait of the subject also painted in 1975, reproduced page 15
In 1975, Arthur Shilling reduced his frequent trips into Toronto, assuming full-time residence at his home on the Rama, Ontario reserve. Carol Podedworny writes that “coupled with this return to the reserve is Shilling's love for his people... Shilling admitted that his people where his inspiration: 'I paint because there is no other way to express the beauty of my people.'”
