Apache Sun Shield by Lee Tate

This artwork showcases a tribal shield, adorned with feathers and traditional patterns that signify strength and unity. The design is a reflection of the protective spirit that shields the tribe from harm while also serving as a symbol of identity and belonging. For Lee, who grew up disconnected from his Hopi and Apache roots, this drawing is an expression of his journey to reclaim a sense of cultural unity. The intricate details and symbolic elements weave together his personal narrative of rediscovery and the longing to belong to the traditions of his ancestors.

Lee Tate Maskulka’s journey began on January 22, 1972, in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. Born of Apache and Hopi heritage, Lee was destined to carry the spirit of his ancestors within him. From the tender age of five, he found solace and expression in drawing, a talent that quickly became a lifeline between his imagination and the world around him. 

His father, recognizing the raw potential in Lee, encouraged him to explore and develop his native art, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the culture that had shaped their lives.

Despite his roots, Lee’s path was unique. Adopted by white parents at the age of 6 weeks, he grew up distanced from the very tribes that were a part of his lineage. He is Apache and Hopi, yet he never felt the deep connection to these tribes that many others did. This disconnection from his heritage fueled a yearning within him—a desire to understand and know the culture that was, by blood, his own.

Through his pencil drawings, Lee found a way to bridge that gap. Nature and the echoes of his people’s culture became his muses, guiding his hand as he translated his feelings onto paper. Each stroke, each line, was a step toward understanding and embracing the culture that he longed to connect with. His art is not just a reflection of his imagination, but a heartfelt exploration of his identity—a journey to reclaim a heritage that, though distant, still calls to him.