Arthur Shilling (1941-1986)

Born in Rama, Arthur demonstrated artistic abilities from a very early age. His talent, along with the inspirational success of Norval Morriseau, took him to The Ontario College of Art. Unlike Morriseau, who developed unique depictions of Ojibway legends, Arthur chose to concentrate on portraits of his own people, rather than indigenous stories. Arthur enjoyed great success and was invited by Pierre Trudeau to dine with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1978. From his earliest years, Arthur faced serious health problems, enduring multiple attacks of rheumatic fever, which left his heart compromised. Arthur’s works are characterized by powerful energy, bold strokes of brilliant colours and great emotion. His paintings of his wife Millie, and their sons Bewabon and Travis, are exemplary of his immense spirit. Arthur died at 44. Through most of his life he suffered poverty, illness and depression. He is buried at Rama, in a wooded clearing just down the road from the home he shared with Millie and his sons.

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