Matthew Panana, a full blooded Jemez was raised by his great grandparents, Christino and Louisa Panana. It was his great grandparents that influenced him and taught him about the Indian way of life. After the death of his great grandparents, Panana moved to Albuquerque, N.M. and then to Kingfisher, Oklahoma where he received his formal education.

Panana believes art has always been with him, like sculpture waiting to be revealed in a block of stone. His successful career has emerged due to hid dedicate effort and hard work.

Panana’s ideas and inspirations come from pride and history of his native culture and people.

The scale of his artwork has grown as large as his 6 ft. tall Native American Veteran sculpture, “Warriors Of Battle” and the execution has become much more refined as “Pueblo Potter” and “Hopi Maiden”. Most sculptures displaying an appealing mix of realism and abstraction. His deft touch is seen in difficult details such as the fingers, lips, heishi necklaces with individual beads, and feathers. When Panana finds his inspiration  the results are highly detailed, realistic and flowing with grace and beauty.

Panana has now been carving stone for 14 years and says he keeps learning all the time, studying new techniques and processes. Panana says “Cutting stone into the basic shape is relatively easy, and completing the detail work is much harder.” He also says, “trying to depict perfect faces for my sculptures is very important as it brings out the beauty of the sculpture(s).”

Panana’s morals and values play a vital role in his commitment to continue sharing his beautiful work of art.

SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
August 1990 – Southwestern Association of Indian Arts Fellowship Winner, during the 69th annual Indian Market

October 1995 – “Warriors Of Battle” -Commisioned by The New Mexico Arts Division, Santa Fe, N.M. and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, N.M. to sculpt a Native American Veteran Memorial Sculpture honoring the United States Armed Forces.