Esquega, Matthew
Matthew Esquega, Ojibway Nation. Matthew was born in Beardmore Ontario on February 19, 1957. His mother was a Woodland Ojibway, and father was from the Cherokee Nation. Matthew’s father passed away when Matthew was very young and due to so many children in the family some were given up for adoption, Matthew was one of those children.
Adventure brought Matthew west in 1978 and there he met some artists who would become major influences in his life. Matthew started carving in 1986, which for some is a late start, though it has not hindered his growth as an artist.
Matthew’s influences and teachers have been, Pat Amos who Matthew apprenticed with, Beau Dick and Joe Peters and his styles include Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwagiulth. Matthew also helped the acclaimed artist Tim Paul carve a canoe. Matthew along with Beau Dick, participated in the carving of the “Welcome Totem Pole for Canada”, located in world renowned Stanley Park located Vancouver B.C.