Josy Thomas
Fine Artist
About
Growing up with his grandfather as his main role model, Josy Thomas learned early on the power of the Longhouse Teachings. Chief Jacob E Thomas made sure that his grandson would carry on the Onkwehonwe traditions. As a young boy, Josy spent much of his time watching his grandfather carve traditional masks for ceremonies. As he sat perched on the edge of a tree stump, amidst the sawdust and woodchips, he listened as his grandfather shared wisdom and traditional Teachings from the Longhouse; he spoke about life, their culture,
and their languages.At age 9, under the watchful eye and gentle guidance of his grandfather, Josy carved his first traditional mask out of soap stone. As a young artist, Josy Thomas told ancient stories of the First People of Turtle Island; as a man in his prime, he draws from traditional themes and symbols to bring to life the stories of contemporary Indigenous people.In 1998 Josy Thomas graduated from OCAD with a Masters in Fine Art. He has participated in a number of shows in the US and Canada. His latest solo exhibition, Twisted Spirit, was featured at the Leslie Grove Gallery in Toronto, Onatario and Musée Maison Amérindienne in Mont-St-Hilaire, Quebec.
Contact
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