Jay Bell Redbird

In loving Memory of Jay Bell Redbird, who we remember in his many roles in life—son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, husband, and friend—but also as a mentor, wisdom keeper, and artist.

Those who would categorize Jay’s artistic expression of his culture under the heading of a “self taught artist” do not understand the full breadth of his connection with The Mother Earth and Father Sky. He was very well schooled and graduated with full accreditation from nature and creation in its fullest physical manifestation. Because of the number of artists that were passing through our home when he was a child, he was mentored by some of the most celebrated Indigenous Artists of our time such as his uncle Dr. Leland Bell, Jackson Beardy, Norval Morreseau, Daphne Odjig, and Arthur Shilling. He followed his bliss as an artist and learned to use art as a teaching medium.

His talent opened many doors. He was commissioned to paint murals for institutions, schools and universities around the country. He was very honoured when the University of Toronto commissioned him to paint a mural inaugurating a new wing for the Law Faculty. His speech at the unveiling was not only inspiring to the Dean and guests, but also to the Indigenous students who were entering the law profession as freshman. Here was a boy who chose to follow a path that did not correspond to the dominant culture’s road to success. He took his own path and on that path he acquired a wisdom far beyond anything that you could ever get in a structured, academic setting. As an artist who used the icons of traditional knowledge in his paintings, he did not live in the past. Rather he used social media and the internet to talk about love, compassion, kindness, and share music with the world. He lived his life by incorporating the ancestor teachings of Wisdom, Courage, Respect, Honesty, Truth, Humility and Love.

The symbol that distinguished his work from all others was the fact that although he often experienced the ugly side of life, he never expressed it in his art. He only painted his love of creation and the beauty of nature inspired by forests, lakes, loons, eagles, turtles, hummingbirds, dragonflies, butterflies, and flowers galore. His inspiration was nature, moonlight, campfires, water, and music.

I just loved him with all my heart and it was because of our unique and beloved relationship that I experience a blessing which few fathers in this world are gifted with the privilege of receiving. That being to raise, such a gifted child who grew into such a remarkable man.

Jay’s Artwork at the A’Wen Waterplay Splash Park in Harbourview Park

Jay Bell Redbird
My Son

Medicine Wind, the elders named him
Muskeeki Noodin of the Anishinaabe Nation
All our relations are his kin
the Creature Teachers called him ‘friend’ 
His father from the Turtle Clan
His mother from the Loon
One shared the wisdom of the sun
The other the beauty of the moon

He was born with a sacred mission
A blessing from the Divine
To paint the ancient wisdoms
With colour, form and line

Each separate sacred moment
Brought images to his mind
Then, on the current of inspiration
Like a canoe upon the river
His hand released the stories 
Like arrows in a quiver

The quarry was the canvas
And paintings to deliver
One by one the brush strokes
Were filled with light and colour
A peaceful, loving beauty path
That humanity could discover
There is healing, truth and humility
Embedded in each picture

They sing and chant their way 
Within the human heart
While Jay Bell Redbird
Gave meaning to their teachings with his art

Muskeeki Noodin of the Anishinaabe Nation
All the earth’s creations are his kin
They called him the embodiment of 
The Medicine Wind.

Migwiich