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ABOUT ELI THOMAS
Eli is a Wisdom Keeper, artist and teacher from Onondaga Nation Wolf Clan of Haudenosaunee (hoe-dee-no-SHOW-nee). Haudenosaunee means “people who build a house.” The name refers to a confederation or alliance among six Native American nations who are more commonly known as the
Iroquois Confederacy.
Eli grew up in oral tradition, learning about the natural world and connecting with it.
Through his artwork he shares and teaches about that connection.
Everything is connected and related ,
nothing stands alone.
Eli storytelling at Nunda Historical Society
Eli has been drawing and painting since he was four years old. His paintings teach and tell stories of his ancestors, their knowledge and traditional living. This is what inspires Eli to paint. He shares the Wisdom of the Ancestors and Respect for the Natural World with his art.
The natural world is a part of us. More than ever it is so important to respect, preserve, be mindful of the impact all of us on the Earth.
What we do to the Earth will affect the generations to come.
We do have the power to create positive change. Eli hopes that his paintings help create this change and create
Peaceful enjoyment in your life.
Eli shares:
"I express the knowledge of my culture, the Onondaga Nation through my artwork. The images form a panorama of earth, sky, fire and water.
To experience my paintings is to discover the oral traditions and cultural symbols of the Onondaga Nation. Stories and symbols of my heritage blended with and connected with the natural world encourage and elevate the human spirit to embrace that which is positive in life.
Felling appreciation, giving thanks, seeking peace, and showing respect for all living things are values innate in my visual representations.
The prevalent image of the wolf is a personal symbol of my clan relationship. The wolf is a teacher, a four-legged brother, a relative worthy of respect.
My artistic expression is attributed to the wisdom and example of my father. Grant Thomas. I learned to observe and to be a good listener because of my father.
I gathered information by listening to the stories and wisdom of the elders. I give thanks every day for that.
My brother the wolf, is a teacher, I love sharing personal experiences and storytelling. I teach on all levels, from elementary school to the university. Good teaching inspires students to consider new concepts, it provokes their curiosity so they may venture beyond their familiar neighborhood into a larger more dynamic world."
Okwaho is the name of a wolf that Eli took care of .. He helped raise wolves for 12 yrs. He is wolf clan and happy to have had the honor to live with my four legged relatives.
Eli with the wolf Toronto
when Toronto was little!
You can visit and purchase Eli art at:
https://www.facebook.com/ArtistEliThomas/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/EliThomasArt#items
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