Teaching the craft

A four-metre skateboard deck, created by Peatr Thomas, hangs in the artist's studio on Donald Street in Winnipeg's Exchange District. The artwork, depicting Cree skateboarder Joe Buffalo, features spirit lines radiating from his airborne figure as he jumps over a massive gap in Montreal's Peace Park. Thomas, who is Cree and Ojibwa, was inspired by Buffalo's jump and the history of buildings in the image.

The deck's design has been used to create more standard-sized decks. Thomas contrasts the sensibilities of academically trained artists with self-taught artists like himself, who draw widely on street art and culture. Thomas has a journeyman's spirit of adaptability and loves working with his hands. While he exhibits occasionally in Winnipeg, he subtly critiques the "art for art" ethos of some contemporary art.

Thomas emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship in fostering self-esteem and a holistic vision of creativity. He tries to cover a little bit of everything, including sculpture work, woodwork, and digital space.