Thomas was born on Musqueam traditional territory in 1980. Living on the Musqueam Reserve in Vancouver, BC since birth, Thomas immersed himself in the long-established cultural and art traditions of his Musqueam ancestors.
Thomas attended the Langara College and Capilano University of Vancouver where he studied art history, photography, and graphic design, as well as the development and management of eco-friendly tourism.
Working alongside his mother, Coast Salish artist Susan Point, Thomas spent many hours refining his talents as a designer and a carver. He began his career as a young apprentice carver, working on many large-scale public works of art made in many different media.
At 16-years old, Thomas created his first print, a mono-print done using glass plate and fluorescent colors. He has since produced several limited edition silkscreen prints and to this day he engages the viewers with colors untypical of Coast Salish art.
Two prints published in 2013, Illume and Harmony, are tributes to Cannell’s passion for the environment and to the way simple Salish design elements are found everywhere in nature. Thomas’ distinct style also emerges in his public works of art: strong simple lines that create imagery new to Coast Salish art.
Thomas enjoys the challenge of using many artistic media, as well as perfecting his techniques in woodworking. However, his primary artistic curiosity and expression rests with pencil and paper.
