Dewayne Mathews (1953- ?) Fishinghawk

Dewayne Mathews (1953- ) Fishinghawk is a Cherokee painter, printmaker and musician.  Other than a 2005 Cherokee Pheonix article, very little published information about this artist exists.

While in high school, Mathews studied for a year at the Institute of American Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe.  As of 2005, he was working as a security greeter at an Oklahoma Casino and creating artwork in his spare time.  He takes particular interest in early southeastern mound cultures and his Cherokee peoples’ connection with them.

"I always try to have a certain mindset with every painting or sketch I do, and you can't help but feel immersed in what you are trying to represent. I try to acknowledge our culture and be respectful. I want to get it right," Mathews told the Pheonix.

REFERENCES:
Chavez, Will. Artist's Painting Added to Casino Collection  Cherokee Pheonix June 9, 2005

Photograph Source: Cherokee Pheonix