Great Medicine Horned Owl by Norval Morrisseau

Provenance:
Acquired directly from the Artist
EA Studios, Calgary

Literature:
Lister Sinclair and Jack Pollock, "The Art of Norval Morrisseau", Toronto, 1979, pages 116, 133

In 1976, Norval Morrisseau was introduced by his assistant, Eva Quan, to Eckankar, a belief system that welcomes past lives, dreams and the ability of the soul to travel. As Lister Sinclair states: “Morrisseau has been devoted to Eckankar, a body of teaching which centers around soul travel. Once again he has found a way of systematically using personal visions to liberate his artistic imagination. Once again, for all his uniqueness as an artist and as a human being, he shows himself securely placed in the Indian tradition of a vision–generating shaman.”

Morrisseau portrays the owl (Gookooko’oo) in his artworks as a guardian who watches over the beings of the world, writing that “The all-seeing owl can warn of approaching danger; it is a protector.” A closer look at owl characteristics in Anishinaabe cosmology reveal a nuanced perception of owls, where their calls are understood to help guide the spirits of humans who have passed on. As a prominent bird in the natural world, owls are sources of knowledge and assume the role of teachers and healers, as well as providing wisdom and guidance to the Anishinaabe.

In recognition of Norval Morrisseau's rich heritage and their longstanding partnership with him during his sponsorship with EA Studios, Calgary, the firm will donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this canvas directly to the Orange Shirt Foundation. This donation notes Morrisseau’s survival of the residential school system while supporting and honouring the painter’s legacy.