Katchina by Lee Tate

In this drawing, Lee Tate Maskulka captures the mystical essence of a Katsina spirit, a symbol deeply rooted in the Hopi culture. The intricate headdress, with its sunburst design and cascading feathers, represents the connection between the spiritual and natural worlds. The Katsina stands as a guardian, embodying the protective spirits that guide and nurture the Hopi people. The surrounding elements—plants and animals—emphasize the harmony between humans and nature, a theme central to Lee's work as he seeks to understand and connect with his heritage through his art.

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.