Born in 1960 in Campbell River, British Columbia, Dwayne Simeon’s interest in carving began at an early age. His intrigue of traditional Kwakiutl style was furthered by the teachings of two legendary carvers, Tony Hunt and John Livingston, with whom he lived and carved for three years. In 1981, he continued his study of design elements with the Jewelry Design School at Vancouver Vocational Institute. By 1983, he was teaching his own wood carving and design course in Vancouver, B.C. and his distinctive style of carving masks and totem poles emerged.

Today, his works are found in numerous museums, galleries and private collections in the U.S. and Canada. He has completed several totem pole commissions for public and private clients including a pole for the British Columbia Tourism Association located in Chicago, Illinois. Dwayne also coordinates his own lecture series and carving demonstrations, speaking at Muhlenburg University in Pennsylvania and the Art Expo ‘96 for the Folk Life Programs. He continues to reside in Vancouver, British Columbia, and strives to create new works reflecting both his own artistic attitudes and traditional Northwest Coast culture.