Erwin is Hopi, originally from Polacca, Arizona on First Mesa, and now lives in New Mexico with his Laguna Pueblo wife, Mary. He comes from an extended family of Kachina carvers; he was taught to carve by his uncle Meldon Hayah. Erwin’s grandparents Bill Hayah and Blanch Dewakakuku, as well as his uncle Gary Hayah, cousin Godfrey Hayah, and brother Melvin Pino, are all Kachina carvers. Erwin sold his first Kachina, a Fox, when he was 11 years old. He is quite serious about the importance of being a Kachina carver, and strives to improve his artistry with each successive piece he creates. At the 2004 New Mexico State Fair, Erwin took Best of Show Outstanding and Best of Show for Kachinas for a Butterfly Sculpture; a First Place Blue Ribbon for the Han "Bear" Kachina shown above and a Second Place for a double Shalako.