Thomas John

Indian Time April 12, 2012

April 7th was the opening reception and start of 'A Retrospective' art show by Mohawk artist John Thomas.

The more you view a painting, the more you can see how John uses his artwork as a teaching tool of culture and history. Most special is how he incorporates his traditional teachings, learned from his mother and father, the late. Georgia and Frank Standing
Arrow-Thomas.

David Fadden, the curator of the exhibit, collected original paintings and artwork from community members and agencies. They .include John's sister Jennifer Standing Arrow, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Gus Pyke at Ononkwasona Pharmacy, MCA Department of Health, the Akwesasne Museum, Russell Roundpoint, and Michael Mitchell. Also displayed were paintings belonging to the NNATC and from John himself.
John's wife, Leslie, and one of his daughters, Falon, along with John's grandson Riley, were able to attend the opening, as well as his fellow artists and many admirers. John and Leslie have another daughter Starr and a son, Tiio.

His wife, Leslie, commented that she, their children and grandchildren are his biggest fans. She is very pleased that Russell Roundpoint and the NNATC recognized John's talent to kick off their series in recognizing local artists and talent in Akwesasne. John's daughter, Starr, who couldn't be at the opening reception, wrote the following about her father.

John Thomas - A Retrospective
The artist, John B. Thomas is a Mohawk of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. He is a husband, a father of three, and a grandfather. For as long as John can remember, he has always been able to draw. This great talent that was given to him from birth is well recognized throughout Akwesasne. John has painted through many mediums, mainly
acrylic and canvas paintings, wall murals, painted wood carved plaques, helmets on the coveted Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and many more. He has also created many logos throughout his lifetime, such as the Aboriginal Hockey Association, Iroquois Water Ltd., Akwesasne Warriors Hockey team, and the Turtle Island Cafe, just to name a few. He also had his work commended by the Governor of New York during a private showing.

It was once said that you could find out the history of the Iroquois people from the exquisite strokes of John's paintbrush. He always has a story, a legend, a piece of history behind each creation. "I portray the Mohawk! Iroquois people the way my mind and spirit sees it; to inspire people to seek knowledge and the respect of our traditional culture," says John. He goes on to say, "I come from a very traditional family, my parents, the late Frank "Standing Arrow" and Georgia Thomas are remembered by many as great cultural educators. I carry that part of my family on to our future generations." John's expressions and knowledge is given to the community by speaking to children at local schools, High schools and Universities about his art. "I believe I must carry my vision on to the future generations of the Mohawk people through my art work." The painting above shows his vision.

John is a Wolf Clan, Mohawk who is one of Akwesasne's finest artists that is the most culturally expressed. With his career spanning for over 40 years, John has mastered the use of color in his vibrant paintings. He is able to articulate the details of the Haudenosaunee culture with great accuracy and intricate detail. His work is sought by many art collectors, museums, and many Native Institutions, including the National Assembly of First Nations. In addition, he has had showings of his art throughout United States and Canada. John B. Thomas is the artist of true natural talent.
By Starr Thomas©

Article by Lois-Ann Baker
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23 November 2016

Thomas said the idea for the mural was a joint effort by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and OPG.

"They were talking about doing something together and decided on a mural," he said. "They p a call out to me. They figured I could best represent Akwesasne because they have seen my work on the reserve and outside the reserve."

Thomas said he brought there some of his previous work so they could see what he could do.

"They were talking to me about the river," he said.

"They were talking about what it was like a long time ago with the rapids and fishing. The river has always been a very important part of our culture for our survival."

The decision was made to pick something from the past that also included the importance of the St. Lawrence River. Thomas said the area was once a great fishing and hunting grounds.

"It's changed over the years with the dam and things that have happened, but we still rely
on the river," he said. "The water has always been sacred to our people. It has been taught to me by my parents and my traditional family."

The mural depicts a typical Mohawk village with people fishing and hunting and showing how they used the river. In the sky he has painted symbols of the clans - a turtle, wolf, bear and eagle. "I put them in the clouds," said Thomas.

"People see things in the clouds, so I put them in there to represent the clans. The eagle is held in high reverence in our beliefs. The eagle feather represents the bird that is closest to the Great Spirit."

There is also an eagle catching a fish from the river.

"This (depiction) comes from the teachings that were taught to me since I was a kid through stories and ceremonies and traditions."

Thomas has been working on the mural for about six weeks now and expects to be finished in early December.

"It has been a pleasure being able to work at the centre and watch his visions come up on the canvas," said Matt Mulvihill. "He is such a talented artist,"

Mulvihill said they have also been photographing Thomas at work using time lapse
photography.

"Not only will John's painting hang here in the visitor's center, we will also have an interactive component," he said. "We will get an interview with John talking about his painting and we have the time lapse photography' to incorporate into the vide people can actually see John do his thing on the canvas. It's pretty exciting."

Mulvihill said the mural interactive video will be formally unveiled next year when the centre opens up for the regular season in May.