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Overview FAMILY OF THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY In Honour of Mother Father Shaman with Tree of Life Child like Simplicity with his friend the Butterfly Shaman Grandfather Telling Stories of the Giant Bear Family Begins Journey to Higher Enlightenment Family on the Astral Plane of Enlightenment Mother Earth

In Honour of Mother

By Norval Morrisseau ( 1932-2007)

Text provided by the Official Estate of Norval Morrisseau

Artistic and Cultural Introduction:

"In Honour of Mother" by Norval Morrisseau is a profound and vibrant tribute to the essential role of the mother within the family and her expansive influence in broader society. Morrisseau masterfully employs a warm spectrum of yellows and serene blues to symbolize the nurturing role of the mother and the comforting warmth she imparts to familial life. The use of these colors not only reflects her central role but also evokes the nurturing rays of the sun and the life-giving qualities of water—elements that are of significant importance in Ojibwe cosmology.

The composition is characterized by flowing lines and a harmonious blend of colors that further enhance the sense of warmth and nurture. The intertwining forms that envelop the mother and the child she cradles illustrate the cyclical nature of life and the vital transmission of teachings from one generation to the next. This visual metaphor reinforces the interconnectedness of family ties and the perpetuation of cultural and spiritual wisdom, underscoring the deep-rooted values of the Ojibwe community. The painting not only celebrates the maternal figure but also serves as a poignant reminder of the foundational role mothers play in the continuity and resilience of cultural traditions.

Cosmological Interpretation and Indigenous Wisdom:

Elder Philip Cote offers a profound interpretation of the mother’s depiction, highlighting her foundational role in nurturing and sustaining the family's emotional and spiritual needs. "In Ojibwe tradition, yellow, the color of sunlight, represents her life-giving energy and warmth. Blue, akin to the deep waters, reflects her profound emotional and spiritual connections that are essential for the family's inner strength," explains Cote. Morrisseau captures her essence not merely as a caregiver but as the emotional nucleus of the family, radiating the spiritual and nurturing energies that bind the family unit. Elder Cote further elaborates, "The mother is akin to the Earth itself—nourishing, sustaining, and teaching. Her presence in the artwork, wrapped in these nurturing colors, underscores her role as the primary educator of resilience and empathy, central to the emotional and spiritual fortification of the family."

Deepening the Interpretation with Ojibwe Legends:

Legend: The Song of the Sacred Cradle

In the tapestry of Indigenous knowledge, the Song of the Sacred Cradle weaves a story of profound maternal love and ancestral guidance. Passed down through generations, this legend speaks of a mother's unwavering devotion and the timeless bond between parent and child.

According to tradition, when a child is born, the ancestors gather around the cradle to bestow blessings and protection upon the newborn. As the mother sings a lullaby passed down through the ages, she invokes the spirits of her ancestors, weaving their wisdom and love into the fabric of the child's existence.

Elder Philip Cote, with his deep understanding of Ojibwe cosmology, sheds light on the significance of this sacred tradition. "The Song of the Sacred Cradle represents the continuation of ancestral wisdom and the profound connection between the mother, child, and the spirit world," he explains. "In the painting 'In Honour of Mother' by Norval Morrisseau, we witness this timeless ritual embodied in vibrant colors and flowing lines, capturing the essence of maternal love and spiritual guidance."

As viewers gaze upon the artwork, they are drawn into the scene of maternal tenderness and ancestral presence. The mother, cradling her child in her arms, sings the ancient lullaby taught to her by generations of mothers before her. The cradle becomes a vessel for the transmission of wisdom and love, enveloping the child in a cocoon of protection and nourishment.

Surrounding the mother and child, the spirits of the ancestors manifest in ethereal forms, their presence a testament to the enduring legacy of love and guidance. "The ancestors, represented by the vibrant hues and flowing shapes, watch over the family, offering their blessings and support," Elder Cote observes. "Through their presence, we are reminded of our interconnectedness with the spirit world and the importance of honoring our ancestors in all that we do."

As viewers contemplate the painting, they are invited to reflect on the profound significance of maternal love and ancestral wisdom. The Song of the Sacred Cradle resonates across time and space, reminding us of the timeless bond between mother and child and the eternal guidance of the spirit world.

About Philip Cote:

Cosmological interpretation and Cultural Wisdom provided by Philip Cote MFA, Young Spiritual Elder, Artist, Activist, Historian, and Traditional Wisdom Keeper from Moose Deer Point First Nation. His affiliations include Shawnee, Lakota, Potawatomi, Ojibway, Algonquin, and Mohawk. Philip Cote is a Sundancer, Pipe Carrier, and Sweat Ceremony leader, deeply immersed in his cultural heritage and spiritual practices.

The Estate extends its gratitude to Fabien Dormoy, CEO of Pictorem based in Quebec, for his meticulous oversight of the production process for Museum Quality Hors D' commerce Glicee on Canvas reproductions. Mr. Dormoy's careful management has ensured that these reproductions meet stringent longevity requirements and maintain consistent shades, promising a lifespan of up to 200 years.

VISIT THE EXHIBITION

There is no cost to visit the exhibition and the church is open to the public at 56 Queen St. East, Monday to Friday from noon to 3:00pm. We are also open for our weekly Sunday worship service at 11:00am, where all are welcome. Met is an Affirming Congregation, offering welcome and companionship to all, inclusive of age, ethnicity, gender identity, differing abilities, and sexual orientation. 

At the Estate of Norval Morrisseau:

We believe in the power of art as a means of cultural expression and understanding. Through our initiatives, we strive to make Morrisseau's artworks accessible to all, fostering appreciation for Indigenous artistry and promoting cultural understanding. We support Indigenous communities in preserving their cultural heritage through collaborative initiatives, ensuring the vitality of Indigenous cultural practices.

Moreover, we engage in global outreach by lending Morrisseau's artworks to museums and major cultural venues worldwide, promoting cultural exchange and deepening understanding of his impact.

Furthermore, we facilitate scholarly research and academic recognition of Morrisseau's art, contributing to understanding his contributions to Indigenous art within academic circles. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital resources, we promote public education on Morrisseau's art, fostering appreciation for Indigenous art and culture.

Additionally, we award grants to nurture creativity in Indigenous art and provide support to charitable organizations addressing systemic challenges facing Indigenous communities, contributing to positive social change.