Artist

Thomas, Roy

Title

Anticipation

Technique

serigraph

Dimensions

49.7cm height x 65.0cm width

Type

print

Accession Number

2022.6.1

Collection

Permanent Collection

Gift of David Nunn

Roy Thomas was a self-taught Anishnaabe artist born in 1949 at Longlac Reserve near Caramat, Ontario, Canada. He was raised by his grandparents, who encouraged him to express himself through art. While listening to his grandmother’s stories, he would draw what he heard with a stick, using sand or snow as his canvas. As he grew older, he replaced the stick with pencil and brush. Thomas was given the name “Gahgahgeh”, which means crow. Thomas devoted himself to learning the history and teachings of his people, and to promoting Anishnaabe culture. His style was largely influenced by Norval Morrisseau, Daphne Odjig and Carl Ray. Thomas’ work is known for bold lines and colours, depicting totemic animals, Ojibwe traditions and legends, and belongs to the Woodland School of Art. He is largely self-taught, explaining that “I paint to illustrate our stories the best way I can. I do this to teach the old ways so they will not be forgotten. All stories I paint are peaceful, not of people doing bad things to one another. I like everything I paint, I have no favourites.” Thomas had numerous solo and group exhibitions around the world. His work is part of major Indigenous art collections across Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan. He continued to work until his death in 2004.