MARK ANTHONY JACOBSON CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ

INTRODUCTION:

We wish you a good day to each and everyone. On Oct.1st, 2011, Mark Anthony Jacobson became the first native artist in Canadian history to launch and publish an authorized and official catalogue raisonne of his known artworks to date, preceding that of either Norval Morrisseau and the N.M.H.S. (The Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society). We extend a warm welcome to the many friends, collectors, researchers, galleries, museums and other institutions both educational and otherwise worldwide to this authorized resource on Mark Anthony Jacobson artworks. This database will offer and ensure impeccable pedigree for each piece of Jacobson art, will be an excellent source of security from forgeries and will guarantee the authenticity of your various Mark Anthony Jacobson artworks by offering solid provenance and documentation which is found throughout this catalogue.

There will be many updates to this catalogue raisonne over time. So far, we have found a wide variety of many hundreds of Jacobson artworks and there are still about 800 pieces which we hope will be found that date from 1987 to 2010 and will be added to this database. In the meantime, please feel free to browse the many paintings, drawings, prints and other media which the artist has created. This database will continue to grow with images and stories to his artworks from the past, to the present new updates of his latest works, and the future of newly discovered treasures. We thank you for expressing your interest in collecting, marketing, and educating yourselves about the art and legacy of one of Canada's most exciting shamanistic woodland artists. All our relations. Added note: You can click on any image of an artwork for a bigger view. To scroll the next pages throughout this database: At the bottom of each page, click "Older Posts" for pg.'s 2, 3, 4, and etc. Thank you

Us in the spirit

Record: MAJ-CR000903

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2003

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 24 x 30 inches

Signature location: Horizontal bottom right

Owner: Robert Cooper family
Location: Toronto Ontario 

Date Acquired: 2003
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Robert Cooper family

DESCRIPTION

4 human beings, eagle spirit, interconnected circle

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES 
Once again, it was a true pleasure to share this vision and my friendship with the Cooper family. All my relations, MAJ

All my relations

Record: MAJ-CR000902

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2003

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 24 x 36 inches

Signature location: Horizontal bottom left

Owner: Robert Cooper family
Location: Toronto Ontario  

Date Acquired: 2003
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Robert Cooper family

DESCRIPTION

Bear, eagle, 2 fish, rabbit, sun portal, interconnected moon

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES 
These paintings were a joy and love to create in honour of my friendship with the Cooper family. All my relations, MAJ

Guardian spirits

Record: MAJ-CR000901

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2021

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 18 x 24 inches

Signature location: Horizontal bottom left

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Vancouver B.C. 

Date Acquired: 2021
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

1 bird, moose, bear, wolf, 1 fish, trees, 2 interconnected Circles,

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES 

In honour of our son - Sagein Wisdom

Record: MAJ-CR000900

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2020

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 36 x 48 inches

Signature location: Horizontal bottom right

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Kootenay mountains BC

Date Acquired: 2020
Acquisition Method: Gift of artist
Agent of Sale: Gift of Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

4 Fish, 5 birds, eagle, moose, 3 human figures, butterfly, interconnected solar/lunar eclipse, stars, water drops

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

This painting is inspired by the birth and life of our son, Sagein.  He is my light, my love, my inspiration in so many ways it’s simply spectacular. A wise soul said to me: Mark, when you have a child, it opens up a part of your heart that you never knew you had...

And how true these words are. I’m excited every day to rise and shine with this incredible soul in my world. He’s the greatest love I’ve ever known. My boy, the true light of my soul. All my relations, MAJ

Baby boy and his Abstracts

Record: MAJ-CR000899

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2020

Media: Acrylic, ink, crayon on paper

Dimensions: 18 x 24 inches

Signature location: Vertical bottom right

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Kootenay mountains BC

Date Acquired: 2020
Acquisition Method: Gift of artist
Agent of Sale: Gift of Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

Fish, bird, human figure

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

This is the first painting done by my son Sagein and I. It was about hanging out together, drawing lines, forms, colours and design. It was so beautiful to hold his attention for just a bit, to execute this piece together. All my relations, MAJ

Metaphysics of symbolism

Record: MAJ-CR000898

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2002

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 36 x 48 inches

Signature location: Horizontal bottom left

Owner: Naveen Agerval
Location: Toronto Ontario  

Date Acquired: 2002
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection of Naveen Aggerval 

DESCRIPTION

Shaman with eagle spirit, child in portal, ice/rock formations, mountains, interconnected moon, symbols

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

Painting was a special commission for a friend of the artist in toronto ont. all my relations MAJ

In the spirit of protecting our children

Record: MAJ-CR000897

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2020

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 16 x 20

Signature location: Horizontal bottom left

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Kootenay mountains, B.C. 

Date Acquired: 2020
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

4 birds, trees, interconnected sun, Thunderbird, fish, rocks

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

Life force of nature spirit

Record: MAJ-CR000896

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2019

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 20 x 48 inches

Signature location: Vertical bottom left

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Saltspring island, B.C. 

Date Acquired: 2020
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

6 birds, rabbit, bear, deer, trees, interconnected sun

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

This painting was commission number 2. Going to my new friends out on the island of B.C. once again the concept was to capture a reverence and joy and deep respect for the animal kingdoms 9n nature spirit. A true honour it was to create this vision. I’m truly happy with these paintings...all my relations, MAJ

Natures pursuit of happiness

Record: MAJ-CR000895

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2019

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 20 x 48 inches

Signature location: Horizontal bottom right

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Saltspring island, B.C. 

Date Acquired: 2020
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

2 seals, otter, 3 fish, interconnected eclipse, water, killer whale fin, starfish

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

This painting is a collaborative effort with new collectors of my work. They wanted a shared experience of the spiritual life flow of the life forces of the Westcoast. It was a true joy executing this piece and challenged me in really getting it right...all my relations...MAJ

Harmonizing the 3 folds of destiny (past, present and future)

Record: MAJ-CR000894

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2019

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 18 x 36 inches

Signature location: Horizontal bottom left

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Kootenay mountains B.C. 

Date Acquired: 2019
Acquisition Method: Gift of artist
Agent of Sale: gift of Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

4 birds, 3 fish, trees, interconnected lunar eclipse, Thunderbird, 3 faces, 

NOTES

Represents paradigm shifts we go through as Anishanabe, living in 2 worlds at the same time....healing from multi generational trauma.  Making a better way each day as we walk through this life.

We fight for life like those that spawn up river in many instances very difficult waters...but we must. It is our way of being well once again. From the past to the present, we heal. ForThe 3 faces represent the past present and future aspects, the 4 birds and 3 fish represent the next 7 generations to come. Also, these 7 also teach the importance of our 7 sacred grandfather teachings.

That each of us, from all walks of life, can come together, live together, harmonize with one another and of course, light the 8th fire...and reinvent the wheel accordingly in the alignments with Mother Earth, the 4 elementals and all life force upon her.

There is still hope....believe it or not. Mother Nature is working out solutions as I write this teaching...

All my relations. MAJ

Family relationships in nature spirit

Record: MAJ-CR000893

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2019

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 16 x 20

Signature location: Horizontal bottom left

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Ontario 

Date Acquired: 2019
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

5 birds, trees, 2 interconnected circles

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES 

Animal totems of nature spirit - love of its music

Record: MAJ-CR000892

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2018

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 24 x 30

Signature location: Horizontal bottom right

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Nakusp B.C. 

Date Acquired: 2018
Acquisition Method: Gift of artist
Agent of Sale: gift of Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

Bear, wolf, eagle, butterfly, 3 fish, interconnected lunar eclipse, trees, musical notes, spirit face

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

Painting was a special commission/gift for a special friend and his parents. All my relations, MAJ

She is an artist

Record: MAJ-CR000891

Category: Drawing 

Year Created: 2018

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 9 x 12

Signature location: Horizontal bottom left

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Toronto ont.

Date Acquired: 2018
Acquisition Method: Purchase
Agent of Sale: Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

Woman artist, fish, eagle spirit, flowers, wolf clan totem, tipi, water drops, trees, heart, interconnected circle

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES 

My friend - the sufferer

Record: MAJ-CR000890

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2018

Media: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 18 x 24

Signature location: Horizontal bottom right

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Nakusp B.C. 

Date Acquired: 2017
Acquisition Method: Gift 0f artist
Agent of Sale: gift of Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Verso: Signed, titled and dated in ink

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

3 faces, pills, bloodshot eyeball 

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES

Painting was done to gift to a friend of mine who is a sufferer of mental health issues, ptsd, bipolar. He is a brilliant soul and it is an honour to recognize his amazing energy and spirit. I respect this friend greatly....he’s a true soul. An honest brother...all my relations....MAJ

Family medicine drum - First Thunderbird who arrives

Record: MAJ-CR000889

Category: Painting

Year Created: 2019

Media: Acrylic on drum

Dimensions: 18 x 18 inches

Signature location: Horizontal middle left

Owner: Private Collection
Location: Sioux lookout, ont.

Date Acquired: 2019
Acquisition Method: Gift of artist
Agent of Sale: gift of Artist

MARKS AND INSCRIPTIONS

Front: Signed in acrylic paint 

PROVENANCE

Artist

Private Collection

DESCRIPTION

Stars, Thunderbird, Little Dipper, 3 spirit faces, interconnected eclipse, trees, 3 interconnecting circles

PUBLICATION

None found.

EXHIBITION

None found.

NOTES 

CATALOGUE RAISONNE:

The typical catalogue raisonné is a monograph giving a comprehensive catalogue of artworks by an artist.
The essential elements of a catalogue raisonné are that it purports to be an exhaustive list of works for a defined subject matter describing the works in a way so that they may be reliably identified by third parties.

Note: This catalogue raisonne will be an ongoing process of collecting as much data as possible. There are 2 specific ways in which the catalogue raisonne is primarily created, #1: Through text book with various updated editions, and #2: Through on-line record.

The second format is now becoming the primary way most established artists and institutions are going about it as the data of information being collected on any given artist is easiest to publish without the hassle of updating editions through a period of time.

We here with the Mark Anthony Jacobson catalogue raisonne, have chosen the on-line record and have offered it freely for collectors, researchers, galleries and institutions in Canada and around the world.

What is Provenance?

Provenance, from the French provenir, "to come from", refers to the chronology of the ownership or location of a historical object. The term was originally mostly used for works of art, but is now used in similar senses in a wide range of fields, including science and computing. Typical uses may cover any artifact found in archaeology, any object as an art piece. In most fields, the primary purpose of provenance is to confirm or gather evidence as to the time, place, and—when appropriate—the person responsible for the creation, production, or discovery of the object. This will typically be accomplished by tracing the whole history of the object up to the present. Comparative techniques, expert opinions, and the results of scientific tests may also be used to these ends, but establishing provenance is essentially a matter of authentic documentation.

A Question from a researcher:

Q: Being a person who has a strong Native Heritage, how do you feel that it has influenced you as a person as well as an artist?

A: Culture is important to each and everyone of us on some level. It is the substance of every society and it is the trademark of every civilization which came before us and will continue on. My heritage as a first nations person has brought me into an understanding that somewhere deep within us all, we are all the children of this beautiful and magnificent Universe. Our heavenly father sky and our beautiful mother earth are sources of deep affection and love. These elements of the air, water, fire and the earth are our older grandmothers and grandfathers….they sustain all life and we should always be in appreciation of these very forces because of their continous giving to each and everything that we call life. My artworks are like "spiritual scriptures" so to speak. I paint about these things because we are these things. We are never separate from our Environment. My works will continue to inspire the generations of the present and well into the future, giving a recipe for better living and appreciation for existence. The job of the shaman artist within is to let all my other relations know that they too, are sacred and holy and are to be seen in this light. Although the darker realms of the human will and the conditioning can be challenging, it is up to us to see the circle of these processes and to put them into their proper context as being a vital part of learning. This helps to facilitate the completion of the various circles we travel in and through in our combined life experiences. Everything gets used and recycled. Nothing is wasted. Mark Anthony Jacobson 2012

Except from a written article by the artist:

When I think of the woodland school of art and the power of the creative legacy left behind by the greats before us like Roy Thomas, Norval Morrisseau, Jackson Beardy, Carl Ray, Isadore Wadow, Cecil Youngfox, Richard Bedwash, Benjamin Chee Chee, Joshim Kakegamic, Randy Trudeau, Gelineau Fisher, and Brian Marion, I am filled with such pride and joy knowing that I too, will one day be added to this list. It is as I see it, a tradition and for me and the other woodland artists who will one day too be added to this great succession, it is a great force of service to mankind. We who are true shaman artists have not only the privilege of this assignment in both our individual and collective destinies, but a responsibility to pass on this medicine to those in the future who will be brave enough to take up the torch being passed on down to them, one shaman artist at a time.

"We all belong to the Creator and we need to bring out the highest good in our environments with one another. This is why I am inspired to paint, that everything is truly inter-connected. Art is medicine as well, and we are also medicine to each other. Now you can be good medicine, or bad medicine, it depends on our choices with regard to our motives and desires. The duality of creation is always striving to reveal the oneness in all things. It's a beautiful process whether you agree or not, it is the way it is. Where there is conflict, there is resolution, it is an understanding of the wholeness of the circle, it is the nature of creation teaching us at all times."

I have come to understand that the darkside of ourselves is a vital place for teaching and understanding. Many who think that this is not so, do not understand their very nature. Coming to understand this part of ourselves helps us to accept the very struggle of being human. This is what I see as being spiritual. Self acceptance and appreciation of the shadow self that actually helps us to come to terms with the very nature of existence. The light and the darkness are actually one. They are not separate at all, it is the recognition of the circle.

A statement from facebook:

The artist writes,

The JACOBSON Legacy of my artworks will be a lasting testament of my creative energy and spiritual force for many thousands of years to come....To add to the history of human life, our civilization, our connection to creation and most importantly, to celebrate our relationships with that of the most divine....God itself. Each painting I make is like a spiritual scripture for the living human soul and on how to maintain a healthy and respectful relationship with our individual and collective "environments".