Christian Morrisseau, born in 1969 is the son of the renowned Woodland Artist, Norval Morrisseau and Harriet Morrisseau. Christian is the youngest of seven children and the second to follow in his father’s footsteps, being an accomplished artist in his own right.

Christian Morrisseau (1969-)

Artist’s Statement:

“I speak as one son, an artist, and an Ojibwe. I am a born artist. This is not by accident. I work with and out of Anishnabe myths that have become the mark of the Woodland School of Art.

I have had to contend with the terrible strength of my father’s vision. I am not alone. Such was his ability, that there is hardly a Native artist who does not learn from Norval’s artistic strength.

My father taught by being. He never gave lessons. Art to him was waking in the morning. Art was revelation of the Ojibwe history. Art was getting ready for bed. I didn’t name it. I just knew it. I lived Norval Morrisseau’s art.

My brother David and I sit solidly within the scope of Woodland Art – yet we are seen as different and alone.”

Christian was born on December 11, 1969 and raised in Red Lake, Ontario. He now currently lives between Thunder Bay and Keewaywin First Nation, Ontario. He is the son of the renowned Woodland Artist, Norval Morrisseau and Harriet Morrisseau. Christian is the youngest of seven children. He is the 2nd to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Christian is an accomplished artist in his own right. His love of this style of art was a tradition passed down to him by his father, Norval, who in turn learned from his grandfather, Potan. Potan was a well-known and respected traditional Shaman. Christian spent many months learning and listening to his father’s teachings and commernced painting in May 2002. He wanted to share his gift and keep the Morrisseau’s family traditions and stories alive.

Christian paints in the Woodland style, which was developed by his father Norval, upon receiving a vision instructing him to do so. Today there are well over 400 followers, including Christian, that paint in the Woodland style. Christian is inspired to paint animal images, landscape, his father and children, his people’s traditions, and their legends.

Christian is a devout student of his father’s art, and yet continues to develop his artistic gifts with intensity, discipline, and passion. This desire and dedication are reflected in the success of his pieces, which sell well in many markets and are widely accepted by art lovers. Christian has donated works to charitable organizations including; youth organizations, Diabetes organizations, the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition The Outdoor Writers of Canada, and to the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation ‘Treaty 9 ‘ where Christian originates.

Christian also teaches the Woodland art style to both native and non-native students in Thunder Bay and across other northwestern Ontario communities. Christian Morrisseau’s work can be found throughout Canada in Ottawa, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Qualicum.