Finding light in dark times

Local artist shares his artwork and story with hopes of inspiring others

Aug 12, 2019 | 4:16 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— Indigenous artist Tom Mowatt has faced some troubling times, but was able to find more clarity and even some closure through his artwork.

Mowatt was born in Hazleton. He was originally going to school on the reserve, until going to residential school for two years.

He got expelled both of his years in residential school. In his second year, Mowatt was handcuffed and taken out by RCMP for fighting with a supervisor. Years later, this supervisor was charged with sexual assault.

Mowatt went back to school for one year on the reserve before dropping out. He became violent, and his life continued to go on a dark path.

“By the time I was aged ten, I already had an extreme alcohol problem.”

“I was always being sought after by the RCMP,” Mowatt says. “I was a very violent person and got charged with assaults.”

Mowatt’s violent ways lead him to prison. What seemed to be one of his darkest moments, ended up helping him find the light. It was in prison where he found art as an outlet.

“I found my freedom in there.”

“I learned how to express myself in ways without hurting myself and others around me,” Mowatt shares.

Mowatt’s artwork and story resonates with many people. Tourism PG sells some of his pieces and has his largest piece on display to share with locals and tourists.

It isn’t always easy to reflect on his past, but Mowatt says sharing his story with others is part of his healing process.

“From knowing where you come from and why, you can make decisions on how to move forward.”

While Mowatt continues to move forward, he will keep creating art and is also in the process of writing his life story. Mowatt hopes by sharing his artwork and story, he’s able to help others who are on a destructive path like he once was.