Tom began his adult work as a science teacher.  However, introduction to traditional Native American basket making in the mid-1980s changed his life.  While visiting in the mid-west, he met an Ojibwa family who taught him the basket making techniques of their ancestors.  Tom found an affinity with this craft, which transforms nature's items into functional, beautiful objects.  When he returned to the Adirondacks, he worked with people from the Mohawk nation, who taught him how to incorporated sweet grass into basket making.  He uses birch bark, pine needles, sweet grass, and porcupine quill work in his pieces.  Tom states that there are only about 400 quill workers in the U. S., and most work in leather.   He also enjoys educating the public by sharing an art that is being lost as the ancients are slowly dying.  

In addition to his basketry, Tom works as an illustrator and painter under the business name of  MaddogGrafix.  He studied with Henry Musser of Adirondack Community College and has been greatly inspired by artists such as Eric Sloane, Norman Rockwell, Georgia O'Keefe, John Singer Sargent, Grant Wood, Winslow Homer, Rick Griffin, Mary Adams, Gijsbert VanFrankenhuyzen, Mary Azarian, Sabra Field, and A. F. Tait.  Tom has created illustrations for college and local publications, was Art Director for E. B. Metals Industries, creating promotional and technical art, and designed for the Canadian Pacific Railway, where his posters have become collector’s items.   Many times, his illustrations are the basis for his paintings.  His annual calendars are a wonderful reflection of the life he lives and portrays in his art.

His work has been shown at the Arts Council for the Northern Adirondacks, Ticonderoga Historical Society, Adirondack Mountain Club, New York State Museum in Albany, and here at LARAC.

When not creating art, he can be found working in his other business, BACSTOP, serving as an Adirondack hiking and camping guide, specializing in services to the “nervous” and the novice”.  Workshops and demonstrations by Mowatt can be found all over the region this summer.  Come fall, he will return as an adjunct science professor at North Country Community College.

To reach Tom regarding his work, contact him at breezybluff@yahoo.com
Many of Tom's workshops are listed in the LARAC Calendar of Events.