Every time I see his new stuff or anything I haven't seen before it buzzes me. I know a number of fairly accomplished artists, but they all pretty much don't do much for my aesthetic mind. I need to get back up to the island and see what he's got for sale.
Blair's art is all about his people the Anishinabe (Ojibway). He paints about their stories and their language which are deeply intertwined with each other.
I think some of Blair's best and most moving works are triptychs. I have one that is incredible (pictured in another post). The one above it pretty cool too.
The Ojibway have passed their stories and language down through the generations for thousands of years. Blair and the other artists of the Woodlands school continue this process through their art. These guys are true artists who have their heart and soul in their work.
Here is a work by the grandfather-founder of the Woodlands school, the recently departed Norval Morriseau - Copper Thunderbird.
12 comments:
These are superb. What wonderful art!
Your friend and his late mentor are truly gifted!
My favorite one is the first one. The fish with the canoes filled with people.
I love it!
Your friend is very gifted and talented. I'm glad he chose to share these with us. How generous!
Wow! I absolutely love these, especially the last one.
Kind of reminds me of the art of local artist and friend Charles Jupiter Hamilton. Your friend's work isn't the same as his, just has the same wild, happy energy and sort of tribal feeling to it. Tell your friend to look Charly up. He might dig his work, too.
Ah... linkage:
http://www.jupiter33.com/
Rebecca,
Blair's art is genuine. It doesn't have a "tribal feel," it is tribal. He lives his art. It's his heart, his soul, his language and his culture which he is totally immersed in.
To really understand these great Woodland artists you have to understand that.
Regards,
WVHb
Blondie,
That picture is all about Ojibway legend. Their world is very oriented toward the big waters and the creatures and spirits that live there.
If you really like that painting, I could ask Blair if it is available.
SH
Sorry, SH... I didn't know the background of the artist... only speaking to the art, itself. You're right, though, and I didn't mean to trivialize it.
It's amazing art. Thanks for sharing it!
These are incredible! What an amazing artist! I don't think I've seen anything like it!
Dear Blake,
I'm so sorry you posted such incendiary remarks on my blog and even more sorry that you feel such resentment toward Blair.
I have known Blair for many years. We have spent many days together over the years. I have stayed at his house and we've had many meals together.
I know Blair has his character defects. We all do, don't we?
That being said, Blair has never shown me to be anything but a kind, generous and honest person. Sometimes he can be a little rough, but his character is superlative in my book. He has never asked me for anything or to my knowledge has he ever used me in any way. In fact, he has given me much more than I have ever given him.
Most, if not all of what you posted is absurd exagerations of facts or events and obviously based in some sort of anger and resentment on your part.
Back when you were such good friends, did you condemn Blair for having his home and gallery or is this just something you now bring up since you developed your resentments?
I have seen many of Blair's Morriseaus. I don't think any of them are fake. If they are, they are very good fakes and Blair is not aware of it. Certainly you won't deny that Morriseau spent many days with Blair at his gallery painting would you?
As for Blair's work, it speaks for itself. His incredible use of colors and form gives me everything I look for in good art. I've had stuff hanging in my house for years that still draws me in and facinates me.
I'm sure your art is just as credible. I'd like to get to know it someday.
Really Blake, what's the point of this? You and your wife are both highly revered and acclaimed artists. Why do you want to humiliate yourself with such juvenile drivel?
Please e-mail me if you'd like to discuss this. I will address it no further in this forum.
Kindest regards,
WVHillbilly
can you contact me about how to get in touch with Blair... thanks!
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