 His
eyes are dimmer now. Age, chronic diabetes and a lifetime of shaded, smoke
filled rooms have quickened the process of eye failure. He does see, and
well, expansively, brilliantly and keenly, al-though not at the metered
distance that he would like to.
Today,
he sits close to his easel and canvas and the visions caught telescopically
by his eyes years ago emerge before him in an expression of life and colour.
The discerning eye is still there. Age has only heightened its perception
by adding the ingredient of wisdom. Roy Russell Mousseau is a beloved brother
and re-spected Elder to his First Nation's family. His walk is moccasin
soft, quiet, and humble. It hasn't always been that way. For thirty of
his sixty years he trod and stomped loudly. An early, dual ad-diction took
him to the wildness of scattered skidroads across North America; also to
the quiet deserts of New Mexico, and the forested areas of Arizona and
California.
The
tranquillity of nature's bosom has always been a spiritual haven for Roy.
A green moss setting where he could confront and wrestle with his demons.
Eleven years ago he finally unleashed his demons and freedom flooded in.
It was a day of victory he will not forget. Today his celebra-tions are
of another kind, they are for others. When he is not in front of his easel,
he is out spreading a strong message of hope in institutions and penitentiaries.
His personal happi-ness now lies in bannock and pow-wows where he dances
trib-ally.
For
comfort and spiri-tual growth he sits in the sweats and listens intently
for the Great Spirit to nudge him on. Roy's first brush strokes started
on the Sandy Bay Reserve. Since then he has gained recognition across North
America and beyond.A graduate of the Banff School of Fine Arts in 1966
to a proud moment in 1995 when he received the Artist of the Year Award
from the state of North Dakota.
In
Vancouver, Roy Mousseau's work can be found at Hill's Indian Crafts. The
accompanying photos and back-ground material were taken on the second floor
of Hill's.
The Drum wishes to thank the Staff for their
cooperation.
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