For the love of black and whites @ Jacobson native art 2021

Good afternoon to all my visitors, collectors and fans. Here’s to another blessed day of being alive and moving forward one day at a time. Although this pandemic has taken a real toll on our capacity for social relationships, sharing together and enjoying one another’s company, we must soldier on. Prayers and blessings for those going through a challenging time. Healing for those suffering. 

I wanted to share some inspiration through art and my cultural heritage. I have always been fond of the black and white drawings/paintings I’ve done. They are quite distinguishable from my use of colours. But have their own life force none the less. Working in this format helps to broaden the creative scope and vision of an Anishanabe woodland style artist. 

This process affords the artist to learn and grow with regard to line and form. The subject matter grows, refines itself through this process. We can find new imagery and designs in this flow. A way to work out the details and composition to a more refined state in result. Reminds me of our medicine scrolls and indeed that is exactly how I see these images myself. Rebirthing the stories and teachings of the animal clan council. 

I am honoured and thankful for the wisdom of our mother earth. Our ancestors knew this importance and understanding. It is our responsibility to continue to share these fundamentals and to give our history and teachings new life throughout every generation from this to the next. I truly love being an artist, a storyteller, a visionary. It is an honour to share these with each of you. Wishing you all continued strength and power....all my relations, MAJ 

Spending time in nature spirit @ Jacobson native art

 

Good afternoon to each and everyone. The seasons are changing once again as we enter into the beauty of another cycle of life existence. I am honoured and grateful for the connection to Mother nature out here deep in the Kootenay mountains. The vastness is just incredible and awe inspiring. I love to go adventure out deep in these mountains. There is so much to discover, see and experience. 

During many of my journeys out here I happened one day to come across this little cabin. It is a ski cabin deep in the mountains here. It is open to public access but I have to admit, it’s really hard to find. I have come here throughout my seasons to come up and paint here. It has a lovely little wood stove as well. 

It has a fire pit too for cooking and enjoying the benefits of eating supper right out here. I bring my kindling and a few split logs as well to keep things running warm up here. The perspectives of viewing the mountainous surroundings are outstanding. I have a small table and a couple chairs and I’m ready to go. 

I also would like to add that I’m a big fan of the “Artists way”. It is a wonderful companion to my creative energy and artistic process. It has numerous weekly tasks to do including a process called “morning pages”. I use this book and the information involved as one of my tools for maintaining my creative path. 

The quietness and stillness of mind is for me, a very integral part of creating my art. It sets the stage for the energy and imagery to come together. I hardly ever rework a design. Once it comes it comes out right, the first time. That is the beauty of creative self maintenance. It is important to take out the time for this as an artist. To restock the creative well. To feed our soul new energies, new experiences and new visions. 

Any how, I thought it would be fantastic to share some of these experiences and lengths I go to make art. The artistic process is just as much important as the art itself. These experiences help to foster greater growth and discovery. I love being an artist. I love connecting to the wisdom of our Mother Earth. Once again it is a great energy and experience to share some of these teachings and processes with all of you who come to visit. Wishing you all a great new awareness for the spring equinox of 2021. All my relations....MAJ

In honour of my son and the “Changes” always taking shape @ Jacobson native art

 Just a lil message from us here at Jacobson native art that life and its processes are full of changes. Feeling super grateful for the beauty and power of my lil son, Sagein Wisdom. An honour to walk 9n beauty with him each and every day. 

I’m putting the past behind me...my son is the investment of my future, his future. Enjoy this slice of heaven from Ozzy and his daughter Kelly, Changes:

All my relations, MAJ

Mark Anthony Jacobson native art & my experiences around the Norval Morrisseau film: There are no fakes

 Good afternoon to each and everyone who continues to find my new site here at Jacobson native art. It has been a few moons since the release of this film and as executive producer of, I have some things I want to share about it now. First off, I’m glad that we had the opportunity to tell this story through film and to reach out to many new people as the direct result. It was always a powerful story that needed to be told and shared. 

I first met Norval Morrisseau in 2005 in Nanaimo B.C. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. At this point I had been working and mastering the woodland art form for 20 years exactly. It was a brilliant meeting for the both of us. At that point, Norval was confined to his wheelchair and was struggling with Parkinson’s disease. He never had dementia as it was falsely reported by the likes of those shady websites in the Norval Morrisseau blog and the hoax exposed blogs. Both heavily involved in trying to make fakes, authentic. 

It was at that time during my visits with Norval that I began to be educated by him about the grave nature of this problem. I was shown dozens and dozens of examples both in catalogues and the Internet by Norval, Gabe and Michelle Vadas. Norval himself had asked me to help him. He had specifically invited me into this realm because he knew that I would help. And I have. Without a shadow of doubt, I made all the moves necessary to have found the results I did by the production of this film. 

Look, the truth is that none of this would have happened, if it wasn’t for a serendipitous meeting between Dallas and I. Exposing the truth about these fakes, the fraud ring in Thunder Bay ont, exposing a serial rapist and getting him convicted on multiple counts, Justice and vindication for not only Norval Morrisseau, the sexual assault survivors, for kevin hearn and his lawyer in Jonathan Sommer, but also the estate of Morrisseau and countless collectors, galleries, museums and institutions. 

Same can be said for everyone else who attached their name to this movie. By the time the film came out last year, I had spent nearly 15 years of my life on this. It definitely ranks as one of the worst experiences I have ever gone through in my entire life. The amount of filth, disgust, brokenness, horrifying truths, lies and deceptions, threats, intimidation, betrayal and let down was absolutely over the top. 

And this was on both sides of the coin, the bad guys and the good. The reality is that unfortunately this film brought out the worst in many people tied to it. Including myself at times. The level of mistaking friendship and trust throughout this ordeal was really the backbone for me saying: “FUCK THIS“ to everyone associated with this film, excluding both Dallas and Kevin Hearn. Because they were the only 2 solid people that remained until the very end. Even in that, I took a break from them as well. I needed it, we all kinda needed it. 

Many souls around the world have now had a chance to see this film. This is a good thing. Although it has been a very deep and painful experience, I hope one day to see even further results of all the efforts and work that was done and continues to be done as the result of this dedicated service that a few of us put together. It was the fraud of Norval Morrisseau that had first brought me into this scenario. I knew the task ahead of me was quite monumental. Nor Norval himself, neither gabe or michelle, nor Ritchie Sinclair or bryant ross, not kevin hearn or any lawyers before hand could fix this. 

Not the likes of KRG, not the NMHS, no institution or even any police force across Canada knew the depth of this rabbit hole. It was when the information about rape, violence, drugs and assaults that had came forward through Dallas and I sharing our experiences that the truth became known. It was then around 2011 that this entire focus shifted from art fraud to the rape and crimes of a serial sexual predator who was discovered as the suspected head of this Norval Morrisseau art fraud ring, deep in the heart of Thunder Bay, ont. 

I was flown to Toronto for the opening of this film last year. I have to say that I was appalled at the level of disrespect and disgusting attitudes of the director of this film in Jamie Kastner. I always felt that since meeting him there was something “not right” about him. He shamed me for bringing my family to the movie premiere saying he only wanted me there, and not my family. He called me a 2 bit hustler when I wanted to share my art and culture during the after party of the premiere. 

I brought my paintings and such to add to the event, to be a blessing of indigenous culture and sharing the strength and power of my art. To support all the efforts in regards to saving the lives of countless victims and of the art and legacy of my friend and mentor in Norval Morrisseau. That the circle is strong with what I bring to the table. I told Jamie Kastner where to go, and educated this Frankenstein colonized mindset of his that most people in my circles buddy would consider me a hero for getting involved in this story in the ways that I did. 

But this piece of garbage in Kastner tried to belittle me and my integrity as someone who was and is so intimately involved with really opening up this whole story. It left such a bad taste in my heart and the fact that people like Kastner are peppered all over the Canadian film industry. It really grossed me out and because of assholes like him I had to step back and really process all these events in their true light. I think I’ve done that and during this time of healing my heart and soul through this, I’ve found a place now within where I can actually tell my side of this story. 

Some how in all this, I got left out. They didn’t give me any interviews, They feared me and so they went to any and all lengths to try and control this narrative. At the end of the day, I let them. I gave up trying to be heard because I suppose there were those who desired that spotlight for themselves. Nevermind this Indian in me. I didn’t look the part I suppose. They couldn’t control me. So they acted out of fear. At this stage of the game, I don’t really care about it so much any more. More will be revealed...this story isn’t over.

The black dry brush fakes are only one wave. There are several waves of fake Norval Morrisseau paintings and prints peppered all over the Internet like ebay, kigigi, auction houses, shady galleries and their dealers. Prominent Canadian art galleries have been selling dozens and dozens of these suspected second, third, fourth and fifth waves etc. of different fakes other than the now common and distinct black dry brush fakes. 

The above 4th photo here shows one of these fraudulent waves of fake Norval Morrisseau paintings. This particular forgery is very distinct from those black dry brush abominations, (Norvals exact words for them). This period came before the black dry brush, actually. This particular wave is sourced from the Yorkville gallery district in the heart of downtown Toronto. This wave came in the late 1980’s all throughout the 1990’s and even into the 2000’s. 

I know who this forger is. I contacted him on line, twice. Once 10 years ago and recently about 3 months ago. I told him that I suspect it’s you....chief. I’ve studied his weak originals and have compared his personal techniques in his own woodland art style and then I’ve compared those techniques to this example and several others and indeed in my professional opinion and experience, it’s the same fuckin artist. I know it, he knows it and we’ll see if the police across this country can see it too. 

It will never be a complete investigation if the other waves of the Norval Morrisseau fakes don’t get dealt with. It’s a funny thing with true experience and understanding. Ive been given an inside view of the world of art forgery because of my friendship with Norval Morrisseau. I am regarded as one of the true living masters of this style of indigenous art called the woodland school. It is an honour for me to keep pushing it forward, in my style and in my techniques.

 I know that somewhere in this universe, the spirits look upon me and smile. I know that indeed my friend and mentor in Norval Morrisseau after all of this looks upon me and smiles too. Knowing full well that I did my duty. I took it all to task. I did my part in helping to set the record straight. At the end of the day I want it to always be known that I did this all for free, from my heart because I always believed it was the right thing to do. I did it for love...for the love of my people. The great Anishanabe.

All my relations, Mark Anthony Jacobson - Rainbow Thunderbird

Being a 60’s scoop survivor @ Jacobson native art

 My dealings with Canada as a First Nations soul has been absolutely tragic and heartbreaking on many levels. The hijacking of our land, the continual theft of our natural resources, colonial and cultural genocide, residential schools, stealing our children, the violence, the forceful control of being on reserves, the racism, the discrimination, the prejudice and violations of our human rights for 500 plus years now is absolutely disgusting. 

The truth is and continues to be that Canada was and is built on racism. It’s sickening. The perverse colonial mind set continues to roll on through in this, the 21st century. It’s sad and absolutely appalling on all levels with regard to being a human being. The destruction of our cultural practices, trying to wipe out our languages, stealing our cultural artifacts, dishonouring the treaties, wiping out and outlawing ceremonies,...the list goes on and on and on. 

And even under this darkness that colonialism is, we as First Nations continue to thrive and live. We continue to find our ways, we continue to heal and rise. And even in that, we First Nations continue to be welcoming and forgiving. We continue to share our love for not only the sacredness of the earth, but each other. 

What makes us even more powerful is that through the abuse and torture of colonialism we are forced to learn your ways, as settlers. Your languages, your history, your mathematics, your religion, your laws and your education. And on that we must rediscover who we are as indigenous, as First Nations, as Anishanabe. We literally have to live in 2 worlds. That of this perverse colonial system and that of our own history, our own teachings, native laws, cultural history, stories, songs, ceremonies and the arts. We literally have to learn how to think and live like an Indian in a white mans world. Even in that, what have you truly learned of us? 

That is what being a 60’s scoop survivor means to me. Through these lessons and experiences that I have gone through I have found the secret path. I have learned to free myself through these experiences. I learned that I did not have to identify with my abuser, in being a Canadian. I could be an Indian, an Anishanabe soul, entitled to my sovereignty as First Nations. That I could find my own way, my own beingness. 

I shared a post recently in this regard. I have a lot of support on social media. I am grateful for the connections and relationships that I’ve built and have over the years with those who fully support us and desire to work with us and not against us. Here is a sample of that post:

 I am very thankful that my teachings and experiences can have a powerful impact on the lives of others. That’s what sharing from the heart is all about. Something I’ve certainly discovered that the average Canadian settler/immigrant struggles to do with us as First Nations. It all comes down to perspective. My activism is and will always be about speaking truth to power. All my relations...MAJ 

Winter riding deep in the mountains @ Jacobson native art

 Good afternoon friends. Just a wonderful day for a quick ride in the mountains. I absolutely love riding my quads out here. The perspectives are magnificent and awe inspiring every single time. The joy and freedom of connecting to this out here is just awesome. The impacts nature spirit has had on me these last few years is transcendent. 

I love listening to super cool tunes as I’m riding through and just feel so free as a bird. I garner a whole new level of inspiration. No one out here but me and nature most of the time. It’s just us...Zipping along like the wind...

All my relations, MAJ 

The pride and joy @ Jacobson native art 2021

 Good afternoon to each and everyone. Wishing you the highest good as we all continue to endure this pandemic and the many struggles that are happening for millions of people worldwide. I have been struggling myself a little around here at the studio lately. I’ve had some weird outside energy pop into my life that was quite frankly, discriminatory. 

It is still so unfortunate that the reality is that the cultural fabric of this country and how the approach must be made better and better each and every day with regard to the educational process regarding colonialism and genocide to our people as First Nations.

It blows my mind just how unaware and how unfortunately, the average Canadian citizen’s mind set is in this regard. It breaks my heart to see and at times experience the uneducated Colonial mind set in action. This “me first” approach and the basis of “money is king” with regard to the structures of the Canadian society hierarchy are becoming more glaring and distinct in that very structure. 

I see it as the greatest weakness that the cultural fabric of this country has. It’s embarrassing and I find it a bit “slow in the head and heart”. I have always been about people coming together for the greater good. It’s the foundation of who I am. The very basis of our culture is that we are a loving and welcoming people. But I find it very disturbing really to experience such a vastness of this across these lands. 

One can most definitely say that the multi generational plans of colonialism have done not only a serious number on us First Nations, but it is quite evident that the average Canadian citizen has been blindsided by the effects of this as well. The wheels of injustice and the horrific reality of this ongoing genocide to us in the 21st century should move every Canadian soul to wanna change. To make it right. 

This truth will always be my greatest wish. To see a vision of real true healing take shape and help to create that missing link that is in all of our hearts on some level: somewhere we have forgotten that we are all one. This is the reality that I try to live and teach my boy each and every day. That he is a vital and sacred part in all life. That all life is sacred, is to be honoured and respected. I know that I will continue to be a voice for not only this generation, but for many generations to come. My teachings are in my art. I am a culture creator, a visionary, a storyteller. 

The power and legacy of my culture has taught me that. There are those of us who come to realize just how powerful they are. For me I will never surrender my sovereignty as Anishanabe to anyone. My cultural path and identity will remain with me forever. I have found my way. My legacy is in the hands of my son now as well. My greatest wish and joy for him is to create his life experience in any way he so chooses. This is his power. But I will always desire for him to carry on the torch so to speak with regards to our cultural ways, teachings and understandings. 

For this shall always remain as our essence. That we are spectacular and immensely so beautiful. That our richness is in the magnificence of who we are. That together, we stand on great shoulders. From one generation to the next we are the change we have always been searching for. All my relations, MAJ

Working on new commissions and dozens of paintings in 2021

Good afternoon to each and everyone. I wanted to give a special shout out to all my collectors, fans and buyers. Thank you for your continued support and energy with regard to my artistic legacy. Things are rolling well for me during this Covid situation. I’m in an ideal location deep in these Kootenay mountains. 

We are located just off Kootenay lake, right below at the base of our mountain ranges here. It’s spectacular and awe inspiring every single day. I’m getting into a major creative swing over the next 6 months I will be painting for days on end. There are many pieces to finish in the studio here at Jacobson native art. 

In the meantime enjoy yourselves as much as possible. Stay alert and focused and enjoy this space with ourselves and the few others when possible. Be vigilant out there. I send all my best for now...all my relations....MAJ

Celebrating culture and creativity at Jacobson native art in 2021

 

Good evening to each and everyone who’s been coming by the new website and sharing your energy and appreciation for my art works. It sure has been a wild ride through 2020. Many have endured this pandemic with courage, determination, resilience and steadfast action. We have remained vigilant and healthy and we continue to move forward one day at a time. 

I wanted to share some good thoughts and affirmations that I practice and felt that it would be great to do so. I practice my spirituality daily with certain attitudes and behaviours each day. I find that affirmations are a great way to learn about self belief and consistency. For an artist, these practices are essential in creating self esteem, confidence, focus, faith and action in building an art career. 

Here is a list of some solid affirmations that I practice:

- I am a talented and brilliant artist

- What I do as an artist matters

- Me and my art are gifts to the world

- I am creative and I am powerful

- I believe in the Creator and the Creator believes in me

- Being an artist is a gift, my gift back to the universe is to use it 

- I am a co-Creator, a spearhead of advancing creation

- I am an intelligent channel of spirit

- I am wealthy, prosperous and giving

- I am the master I’ve been searching for my whole life

- I believe in me I believe in you

- I am blessed to serve my people to serve creation and Mother Earth 

- I am a unique and divine blessing

- I am responsible for how I think, feel and act

- I am light I am love

Once again to all my friends, fans and collectors, thank you for each and everything you all do. I appreciate you so much and I thank the universe for putting us together during the different times and experiences that we have been together in enjoying our bond, our connections and our sharing with regard to helping each other evolve and move into even greater love, creation and sharing with one another. 

Here’s to all the best for each of you as we move into 2021 and discover new adventures and opportunities. All my relations....MAJ

Happy new year from us at Jacobson native art and studio

 

Wishing you All the best. What a year 2020 has been. We have so much to be thankful for as this has been a very challenging year for many of us. Continue to stay strong and vigilant. Have one another’s back out there and let’s bring in 2021 with a fresh new energy and spirit. 

I’ll be kickin back in the art studio tonight sharing the good vibe and having good thoughts and actions for the new year of 2021. Much love to all of you...all my relations....MAJ

ENJOY THIS TRACK and let’s bring in 2021 as those who are skywalking:

Limited editions on canvas being released at Jacobson native art

Title: Meditation 

Size of print: 20 x 20 inches

Unstretched canvas

Limited edition size: 140 per unit

Each unit comes signed & numbered

Price per unit: $400

Title: Spiritually connected

Size of print: 14 x 28 inches

Unstretched canvas

Limited edition size: 200 per unit

Each unit comes signed & numbered

Price per unit: $450

Title: Mother and child

Size of print: 18 x 24 inches

Unstretched canvas

Limited edition size: 140 per unit

Each unit comes signed & numbered

Price per unit: $400

Good evening to each and everyone. Just got back from travelling to Creston B.C. this afternoon and back to our location deep in the east shore of the Kootenay’s. What a change from our community of 300 souls to the action and buzz of a small city. It sure makes us feel grateful to be out here during this COVID situation. 

We have been practicing social distancing for almost 2 years now. We have become experts in the field and have benefited greatly with the beauty and blessings of our son, Sagein Wisdom. He just turned 3 years old and his impact in my life has been the most profound energy and experience ever, in my life. He’s the whole reason why I’m out here enjoying life in these mountains. He was born in Nelson B.C. so he’s a kootenay boy through and through. 

It is always a great energy sharing these experiences with you all. I have enjoyed working on sone new creative initiatives through this pandemic and I’ve brought forth some new limited editions on canvas that I’m glad to introduce to all of those who embrace and enjoy my art. Thank you for all your appreciation and support. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask by sending me an email to: 

jacobson101@hotmail.com

Enjoying the artistic process of being an artist at Jacobson native art

 Good day to each and everyone. Wishing you all good health, strength and blessings. Just feeling quite happy these days. Working on new paintings, doing backgrounds, filling in colours, colour details etc in the studio. 

I have about 38 canvases on the go at the moment. All being worked on in different stages. Also been working on the new website, investing in inventory, creating new ideas towards marketing etc in the world of what I do as an artist. 

Life is good out here deep in the Kootenay mountains. I’m very excited about life and the new changes coming for all humanity and the planet. I see things in a good light, regard;ess of the struggle to get there, we will find a better way. Hope and faith are important principles in the life of an artist. And with that, enjoy yourselves as much as possible. Don’t let the struggles of the pandemic get you down...

All my relations and enjoy this beauty of a track:.....MAJ

Reflecting on previous works at Jacobson native art

 Title of painting: For family generations

Size: 48 x 120 inches. Sold to private collection 

Ottawa, Ontario 2014

Wishing each and everyone a beautiful day. I have always loved working on bigger canvases here at Jacobson native art. This piece was a special commission for a collector in Ottawa Ontario. I painted it in Vancouver B.C. in the summer of 2014, flew to Ottawa with the painting along with a few others for a private exhibition there. Fun times and wishing each and everyone a healthy and positive weekend. Stay safe and continue to be vigilant in looking after your health during COVID-19 in December of 2020. All my relations, MAJ

New limited editions available at Jacobson native art (part 2)

Title: Shamans transformation 

Size of print: 14 x 18 inches

Stretched on gallery canvas

Ready to hang

Limited edition size: 100 per unit

Each unit comes signed & numbered

Price per unit: $450

Title: Honouring the elementals - air and water

Size of print: 14 x 18 inches

Stretched on gallery canvas

Ready to hang

Limited edition size: 100 per unit

Each unit comes signed & numbered

Price per unit: $450

Title: Bear power - abundance of Mother Nature 

Size of print: 14 x 18 inches

Stretched on gallery canvas

Ready to hang

Limited edition size: 100 per unit

Each unit comes signed & numbered

Price per unit: $450

Title: Bear clan teaching - respect and honour 

for nature’s life cycles

Size of print: 14 x 18 inches

Stretched on gallery canvas

Ready to hang

Limited edition size: 100 per unit

Each unit comes signed & numbered

Price per unit: $450

Good afternoon everyone. Here’s to good blessings and positive energy and spiritual force being sent out to all directions. I wanted to share with you a more detailed information package on this new series of prints on stretched gallery canvas. Each unit comes with a wire on back, ready to hang. 

They are marvellous new editions being released to the public only through my art studio here at Jacobson native art. For inquiries please email me at: 

jacobson101@hotmail.com

Here at the Jacobson art studio, our boy just turned 3 years old. Happy birthday, son.

 

Hope all is well with each and everyone. Wishing you many blessings of love, hope, faith and charity. The  big news these days is that my son, Sagein Wisdom just turned 3 years old the other day. Oh my goodness what an absolutely divine creation he is. I have never loved someone so much as I do my boy. 

He is the most Beautiful being I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I can’t believe it, how spectacular and blown away I am by his life. These last 3 years of learning how to be a dad to him, to give him all the space and room to be his dynamic self is simply incredible. I have never loved someone so much. He’s completely changed my life. 

He’s made me better in so many ways it’s just too powerful. I am humbled and graced by his magnificence  and beauty. He’s the greatest thing to ever happen to me. It’s so profound loving a child, a gift that we are given to nurture and love each and every day. He changes me, daily. The most powerful teacher I’ve  ever met. 

Sagein, you are everything to me. You are the most incredible being I’ve ever had the privilege to meet and get to know up at this point of our journey at the marvellous age of 3. Your incredible momma Kassondra is simply the best mom I have ever seen. You are truly such a blessing. I tell you every day that you are a dream come true. Because that’s exactly what you are. I love you more than anything in the world. You are my number one. My inspiration, my best lil friend in the whole universe. 

I love being your daddy. You are the patriarch of the entire Jacobson bloodline as your grandfather, my father, Gerald Frank Jacobson was the first born son to his parents, great grandfather Yert and great grandmother Clara Jacobson. Your great grandparents on the Jacobson side of the bloodline had 14 children. 

Your great grandfather Nick Kowalow and great grandmother Victoria Oskineegish had 9 children. Your grandmother Helen Kowalow Chukra is my mother. I am her and grandpa Geralds first born son. You are my first born child and this makes you the new patriarch of our bloodline. We are mesmerized by your creativity, curiosity and incredible beingness. Happy birthday baby boy. I love you for eternity...your father, Mark Anthony Jacobson. XOXO