Along a busy Vancouver street in the Point Grey area, sitting in a chair out on the sidewalk, there we meet master Woodland Artist Mark Anthony Jacobson doing what he does best, engaging people with his warmth and energy, and taking a genuine interest in them, something not commonly found in this hustle and bustle world! With Mark it is all about connecting with people, and if they appear shy about coming up to him to look at his art work, he instantly makes them feel comfortable, like an old friend. That affability mixed with his intensity and passion for his culture, beliefs, and life’s work made for a dynamic interview! And so, for the first hour of our meeting we chatted with Mark on the sidewalk in between his interactions with other passersby or friends pausing to say hi.
Like many of the artists we have interviewed, we found Mark by stumbling and searching through the internet world looking for someone that would not only catch our eye, but also be willing to meet with us. Mark was more than both those people! When we first got a glimpse of Mark’s paintings they immediately grabbed our attention, the vibrant colours and dominant features first, and then the less obvious and more subtle content coming into focus as we lingered; finding life within life and always the theme of interconnectedness of mother earth as a common denominator. Be sure to check out our video interview below as he goes into more detail about the shamanistic messages scripting his paintings, and he as the messenger!
Moving from the sidewalk into the gallery gave us some other “in-sight” into Mark’s work. He is one of three First Nations Ojibway artists that occupy the space in the Greenery Native Art Gallery within the Greenery Florist, a unique and ingenious collaboration; a row of aromatic orchids pulling us into the gallery by our sniffing noses and then the eye opening paintings capturing our visual curiousity. A taste from the bowl of Werther’s and it’s almost a complete stimulation of the senses! It is worthwhile to note that Mark is also the first native artist in Canada to launch a Catalogue Raisonné, a project for establishing provenance of his known artworks to date.
Mark Anthony Jacobson with Grand Shaman of the Ojibway Norval Morrisseau (Copper Thunderbird) at their joint Gallery of Giving in Nanaimo 2005
Click on the images below to get the whole picture!
The next eleven minutes will seem like two as Mark’s energy, passion and spiritual philosophy carry us on a journey inside the man, the message, and the mission!! We encourage you to post comments. All my Relations.
Your paintings are truly a breath of fresh air my friend.. <3 You are such an inspiration.
Mark I am not sure if you remember me from Sioux Lookout but I wanted to say how much your art and message has inspired me. I am so happy you have found your calling. Thanks for sharing it with the world. I will hold your message in my heart. Thanks Candy Goretzki
Mark, your art is incredible. Your message is profound and deep. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with the world.
Thank you everyone for taking the time to come by Artsquest here, to read this article and to watch the video. I want to thank both Corinne and Gary Funk for coming by artswalk @ alma in Vancouver to do this interview. We had a ton of fun and it was such a pleasure to meet both Gary and Corinne.
I also wanted to tahnk you too Kyla and you too Jim and Candice. With regard to Candice, I do remember you and although the time and place may be a bit sketchy, know that I am most thankful for your kindness and thoughtfulness with regard to your comments. Life is truly a beautiful blessing to behold, daily.
With warm regards for each and everyone………MAJ
Most excellent interview Mr. jacobson. I was quite pleased to hear your interpretations on your paintings and a glimpse of your spiritual points of view.
You are a very talented artist and storyteller.
May you continue to shine and i certainly wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Paul D.