Dave Moushoum

Dave Weizineau Mushum is a lifelong resident of the Lac Simon community. “I grew up here,” he’s proud to say. A father of four, Dave has a positive outlook on life and is focused on his recovery: he spends his time creating his artwork. A computer technician, Dave has had to endure a number of health problems, including a virulent cancer that forced him to stop working altogether. Despite the ordeal, this enabled him to get back to drawing. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing…” he says.

Over the past two years, Dave has gone back to drawing on paper, then drawing on wood, then sculpting the material by perforating it to bring out his drawing, with remarkable and unique results. Dave innovates and explores the materials he recovers here and there: construction and demolition materials, anything can be used to transform it into a real work of art.

I watched my grandparents make moose calls and canoe paddles, and it inspired me to do things myself.

His inspiration comes from the time he spends in the woods at his camp, nature and, above all, animals. Dave has a special bond with wolves: “They’re never far from me.”

His drawings are inspired by cultural causes, including “Coming Home”, about missing children. This work was selected to be printed on the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue’s sweaters for the 2023 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Dave is a very humble man who dreams of one day having a small workshop behind his house, where he can create more works and bring his culture to life through his creations.

We wish him all the inspiration he needs.