New Home at Squarespace

So I've finally spent nearly the last of my money to connect my work, you, and myself into niche where I can try to sell my work, blog, upload new works, and everything else without the hassle of dealing with formatting every time I upload something.


without further adieu i transferred my work to a whole new website. I am now going to be at

www.artofanongenius.com

i'll get a store set up and to be able to sell prints of my work out and whatnots. I may be going back to  blue canvas to help me with the selling part but haven't yet completely decided on that. But to new experiences and challenges. gotta keep this momentum up.

GOING TO REWORK WEBSITE

Displeased with the website I have: will post an update when it’s back up and running.

but this is still up and running...

Thoughts

10/21/2014

I don’t know what has been going on as of lately. My mind is somewhere else. My heart is lost in a sea of chaos. My passion burns brightly. I am here, but am I really? I had recently got a text the other day asking how I was. I am “alright.” There is nothing wrong with me physically. Emotionally I’m lonely. I feel as if I’m followed and reminded by my loneliness and it’s only giving me a sense of uneasiness. So to help combat these feelings I turn to the internet. Where the antisocial can feel social. I create digital drawings and paintings and post them up.

In my solitude, however, I’m still not quite satisfied. But do I leave the “protection” of my home? Do I leave the “protection” of my room? I have only been leaving the house these past few days to go to work. I have only been doing things to get by. But is that enough?

To make matters worse, I’m recovering from a shortage of hours worked vs. how much I need to make rent. This paycheck is going to not be enough to cover my upcoming rent, but that’s just the lower part of the iceberg. I got a notice of eviction today to pay this rent or get out by tomorrow. Luckily I have enough now to cover it. Luckily i’m scrounging whatever money I have. The change in this cup and the change in that jar help me get by. I’ve even been sent a few hundred dollars this month and last month to help me with my bills. But i’m still not recovering from my debt? I’ve actually increased it? 

Whatever the case I’m glad i’m a shift manager at the moment just to feed myself a smorgasbord of food once a day when I work. My phone was recently turned off. It’s something that I need for work and something I really enjoy. However, it was just a tool and I should see it that way. I need to learn to disconnect myself from these material possession such as money and luxury items.

There are people in this world that I really miss. The first and foremost is “A Happy Me.” Then it goes to my family and buddy Nick. I don’t go out to see them being broke and all. I let them know I’m doing “alright,” but it would be nice medicine to be around them. It would be nice medicine to be around people in general. My friends are all busy with school and their own business and I’m becoming a person who takes discomfort in staying home alone, staying up all night, and even sleeping abnormally long hours.

I need to take risks. I need to learn not to be afraid of success. If I want to get discovered for my talent I should be making it seen as possible. I need to work to make myself better, enrich myself first. 

Depression is a beast that attacks me, but I keep doing my best to try to not let it bother me. I pretend I’m “alright," but when will I feel “alright?”

INKtober UPDATE!

October 11, 2014

What have you been up to over the summer?

So over the summer I was pretty much working and for a small while I was using my garage to try and great work. I got two commissions as soon as spring semester was finished. Friends and coworkers of mine asked me to paint them something. The first was a nice and had my painting of a serpent destroying a ship in the ocean.
The second painting was a fox. It was a recreation of a tattoo my coworker thought was beautiful and wanted a larger representation of it.
While working those I had the inspiration to start and have yet to finish a watercolor and ink painting of a stormtrooper with a bass guitar.
Other than that my summer consisted of a small vacation visiting friend and family in Portland/Vancouver and Yakima Valley. 
Other than that my summer was pretty quiet and I tried to prepare myself for the fall semester which I ended up not having enough moolah to get back in. So to help me raise funds created an alternative fundraising blog on fundly.com/last-year-of-school. I continued sketching and creating small works.  I've applied for grants, scholarships, and even private loans to no avail. So I am selling my time working with a lack of passion at McDonald's as a shift manager. 

Are you in school?

I am currently not in school and haven't even visited the school since my turn down for aid to pay off my current debt and last year of schooling. I haven't communicated with any of my teachers nor have I made any clear vision to seem like I want to be back in school. I really wish I  were though. I was planning my school year out only to have it postponed. I would have had a studio space in the department, I would have worked with my peers, instructors, and professors. Now I've isolated myself and losing my focus on what should drive me.

What are your plans?

My plans at the moment are to save up money. I am currently seeking my funding for my art and supplies on fundly.com/last-year-of-school. I plan on graduating with a BFA at Washington State University. I also plan on getting out of fast food business. As of this moment I hate it! I love the people (mostly) who work there. But just serving the rudest of people who believe their better than you, who think they are paying for than they get; they can just shove it. For those who understand the struggle of taking care of themselves on the most minimum of wages dealing with shit I salute you. I just don't think it's for me. I need to finish school. I need to network. I need to get out of this forever struggling poor lifestyle. 

What projects do you have?

I am currently working my Letters of Gratitude, a 100 envelope 100 drawings project. After finished I will try to showcase my work and send out each envelope to my benefactors who have contributed to my education and dream fund.
I also have a few other drawings and paintings I want to finish but haven't been inspired to finish them. One is of animals-candy abstractions.
Two of my works are commissions from friends who are asking me create them some awesome posters and paintings. One of these is a poster diptych of giraffes riding in a police car and a gang of lions. Another commission is of a grizzly bear riding a great white in the ocean. And the last one is perhaps a small three painting series of zebras. 

Lastly, another project of mine is finishing another album of songs with my friends Lucas Salazar and Carmen Selam. The goal here is to continue creating music and sharing music with the right people and hopefully, someday, have a one hit wonder.

What are you looking forward to?

The only thing I'm looking forward to lately is sleep, food, and sketching. There is not much to my life, but trying to save money for school, art supplies, and paying my bills on time.  Other that that I’m looking forward to someday completing my education getting a BFA and hopefully someday getting my MFA somewhere like San Francisco, Chicago, or perhaps the big apple: New York, New York. I’m looking forward to playing the game of life better than I ever have and becoming financially sufficient enough to help those close to me and around me. 

What's left in the world of academics? 

In the world of academics I have one year of school left and possibly retaking a few classes to bring back my GPA from the depths of academic hell. I am certified in my major, plan on graduating from WSU with a BFA. I would love to go to grad school if by some miracle I have a way to pay for it, if people are generous or if some school is generous enough to help me that would be great. I’d also like to learn more about creating music since it’s also an interest of mine and will probably continue permeating my down time.

Too much time in the night to let my mind rest.

I think way too much and I never know why that is. I feel way too much and it's just part of my character. Good friends will always be there. They are the support and sometimes the muse for my work. But when ideas pop up, they sometimes flood. They also sometimes trickle. I'm glad to have met so many people and enjoy making new friends. There's just so much stuff for me to learn. It takes a deep hole of depression and a lot of time for me to get my head out of my ass to understand that. It's great when I do. I hope someday my art will take me places. I hope that it will help people. I hope people enjoy it. I'm continually working trying to be better.

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Aug. 15
Digital Illustration

I'm anxious for continuing my education, I'm hoping people will be excited to know that this passion I have for my work keeps me sane. I don't know why flashy colors, keeping my hands, my mind, and my eyes busy keeps me so calm. 

In a nutshell, my selected works throughout this summer include a few paintings, lots of illustrations, and working digitally. I'm fundraising money to pay off loans and the debt it builds for school. I'm not pleased with taking out school loans, but it's my last year and I may not have any other way of paying so yeah. I'm selling my work as hard as I feel I can. I'm working to be a bit more professional. I want to break into this world of contemporary artists. 

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Vulture Sketch
Digital Illustration

Things I'm looking forward to mostly this upcoming school year is meeting new artists, students, and taking my practice to higher studies.  Other things I'm looking forward to finally graduating. I took too much time off school due to lack of funds, but I know I want this. I know I can show people things, make them smile, make them think, and share my gifts with people.

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Aug. 15bDigital Illustration

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Fundraiser EnvelopesMixed Media

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Fundraiser EnvelopesMixed Media

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Fundraiser EnvelopesMixed Media

Today I Felt Like an Artist

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Salmon. 2014
Repurposed wood and cardboard
~3.5' x 9' x 2'

It's definitely not everyday I feel like an artist. Most days I'm dreading the thought of all the work and homework I have. It's sad to say that I miss just creating art that I like. I'm back in school this semester and it's taking its toll on everything I do. My free time is the time I need to sleep. The time for study usually turns to doodling and I most often am taking hours at work to help me live my poor expensive life.

I've been blessed since I've been in school. I finally certified in my major. I am, sadly, still working at McDonald's, but got promoted and becoming a manager. On top of that I have been sharing my work with students on campus during Sketch Wednesdays. 

work in progress.
Pineapple. 2014
Watercolors on watercolor paper
18" x 24"

Furthermore, my class held a group exhibition. There I showed some of my work to my professors as well as friends. I feel as though because of that show I was able to acquire this studio office to do my work. Although I spend hours upon hours here, I still never seem to get my homework done. I take notes like crazy, I draw and doodle, I paint, I distract myself from actually committing to my academics. But at least I am feeding my passion. If only I could however keep it in balance.

My professors would like to see my work "explode." I would like my career as an artist do that. However, I still think that there's a long road before then.

work in progress.
Portrait of my only Love. 2014
Colored pencil
24" x 30"

I hope things will continue to look upward. I hope that things from here will continue smooth sailing and I actually become successful. I hope I don't have to worry about picking up hours to pay rent and utilities, I hope that I won't be struggling to sleep because I just got off work and have class in a few hours.


 I don't know what the future holds, but I do have plans. I have goals. I have the friends, peers, and family behind me to help. I just hope I don't disappoint myself along the way ending up disappointing others.

Lee Sekaquaptewa
April 17a. (2014)
Pen, charcoal, marker on copy paper
8.5" x 8.5"

Lee Sekaquaptewa
April 17b. (2014)
Charcoal, chalk, and white out
on drawing paper
18" x 18" 

Lee Sekaquaptewa
Collage. (2014)
Mixed Media on Drawing paper
18" x 24"

-Lee Sekaquaptewa

Creating Website!

There will be a website for this page. hopefully I will be able to manage daily sketches here and post the finished works on the website or something like that. I am horrible with keeping up this thing.


https://sites.google.com/site/artofanongenius/

Taking Responsibility

To whomever,

I am taking complete control of this blog an things will be changed, just a bit. Thanks to James, who started this. It's a good place to start. I will try to not no mess things up.

Lee S.

iPad Sketches

Sketches

The ride from Pullman to Yakima Valley is about a three to three and a half hour drive, I get bored. sometimes i'll pull out a pencil or box of pencils and pens and markers. but why fidget with the hassles of doing such things when you have an iPad handy? you don't have to worry about dropping shavings everywhere, messy materials, or even losing pencils and utensils.  These are my drawings of June 10, 2013.

Ride to the Rez

-Lee Sekaquaptewa

Inspiration.

Inspiration

I tend to draw a lot inspiration from the shows I watch or things I read. I am big fan of cartoons. I grew watching things like The WB’s Animaniacs, Sonic the Hedgehog, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes, Batman, Rocko’s Modern Life, Ren & Stimpy, Rugrats, Disney Animated features like: The Lion King, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast. 

When I grew older and new things became available on television and anime started to rise. I would wake up to the FOX Network and see things like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball. I was at first off set to a style of animation. However, with the introduction of Pokemon and Toonami I was able to get a sort-of-hyper-appreciation for the style. My brother would get videos that I later enjoyed a lot of. Things I used to watch took a turn from childlike things to adult themes. It started with Gundam Wing, Tenchi, Slayers, Trigun, Goldenboy, and Agent Aika. Things then softened out and I became used to such styles that I would try to emulate them into my drawing as a kid.

What became an instant liking was artwork from the album covers to the Gorillaz. It was, However only later that I would become such a great fan. 

I continued doodling and trying to draw. I picked up a lot from my brother and would watch him draw or look at his drawings and even clean them up to be from expressive sketch drawings to polished line drawings. At some point later in life and mostly now I see how much I still yearn to be able to quickly sketch, draw, and be equally comprehensive in the different media he has become attuned with.

Things I am driving most of my inspiration, nowadays, are books, anime, music, and artists that I appreciate right now. One of the greatest artists that I know of is my brother, I understand that it’s a bias source, but I have been yearning and striving to get at his level with everything. Another source would be my instructors and studies. They have the drive to get them from where I am to where they are now. Working with my friends and peers to see how I am growing.

Seeking the advice and not entirely going solo really helps. Harsh criticism is essential and well sometimes I’d rather just have bad art than no art at all. I am usually upset with my work because I lack the patience or knowledge to get it done how I expect it to. However, that’s something I learn every time I draw or paint, or do something. I learn how to do it more efficiently, creatively, and gain more patience because I know what needs to get done and how to do it.

One of my favorite artists next to my brother is Jamie Hewlett. His style of illustration has become one of my top favorite. Which brings me back to a book I would reference a lot of material from as a kid that I became acquainted with again.  Without Hewlett, my brother, or such fascination with cartoons and comics I would have gotten where I am today. If it weren’t for other people’s interest I would have continued with my studies and practice in arts.

What I like most about Jamie Hewlett is character design. I am just always in awe of his ability to illustrate such clean, simple, images. Learning more about the artist has even given me a great appreciate for his artwork. 

I am running out of things to talk about here so yeah. We’ll get back to more inspiration stuff later.

-Lee Sekaquaptewa

Sketchbook Pro for iMac

The other day Lee had gotten off work and started to work on his skills with drawing on his computer. I can imagine him restless and feeling creative. He grabs his computer, he grabs his tablet and pen... he starts some music. Frustrated and thoughtless, he stops and erases all that he's done. He messages someone on Facebook and asks them a simple question: who's your favorite cartoon/comic character. He begins to work... and then he is content. He had the motivation, the skill, and talent to create something for someone. He draws for people.


The first one of Dr. Zoidberg (from Futurama) eating a burger. Lee drew this for one of his friends who's leaving the fast food restaurant to continue on with the next step of his life after college.

"Study Study Graduate" was a drawing for another friend, dedicated to Susan. It's a picture of Jake the Dog from Adventure Time. Someone who is also graduating. From what I heard, she's a respectable woman who works hard, studies often, and is definitely glad to be graduating.

The last one, a Calvin and Hobbes comic, dedicated to his buddy, Seth. A comic about a friendship between a boy and his stuffed animal. A great comic created by Bill Watterson.

Interview with a Non-Genius by James Irwin

Name / Age / Location

My name is Lee Sekaquaptewa. I am twenty-two years old and currently living in Pullman, Washington.

Brief intro to who you are / what you do.

I am a creative person, I like to think. The idea of artist and what an artist does to me is kinda skewed by what different people perceive as artists. I like to believe anyone is an artist in their own way. My way is just imbued with many different facets. I wouldn’t necessarily call it all art. I like to cook, play piano, write music, draw, and paint. All of these things are just pass times that I enjoy. I am not an “artist” who lives off what he creates. I would love to, I just haven’t found the right way to do it. I create for the simple joy of creating. I create things.

What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?

That’s a very hard question… most of the time the things I create are usually someone else’s by the time I finish them. I love my sketchbooks and well I would have to say those would have to be the things that are most intimate to an “artist.” They have drawings dedicated to people, notes, ideas, and everything that I could possibly imagine. It is the embodiment of who I am and possibly even what I am.

Cover Idea -  Walking on Eggshells EP
Ft. Lee Sekaquaptewa, Lucas Salazar, Mike Sekaquaptewa, Jonathan Crass

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment, I am trying to collaborate with a few musicians on an EP album Walking on Eggshells. The work consists of me creating music starting from my piano with chords and then progressing into tracks instrumented by Simple Lead Keyboards, a False Drum Set, False Bass, and Vocals and Guitar by various people willing to work with me. 

Who are these people you are working with?

I am trying to work with my old manager from McDonald’s, Jon Crass. A very hippie kinda guy with interesting tastes in music and philosophy that’s just intriguing to me. Then there is my older brother, Michael Sekaquaptewa, who has been singing and playing guitar for the past decade about. He’s someone I have been trying catch up to since I was young, creatively and as a person. Lastly, there is a friend I made through connections with my younger brother, Lucas Salazar. I don’t know much about him other than that he likes music, creates music, and plays gigs with his friends in Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and other places that I’m not too sure of. I have been invited to them just haven’t been able to go.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

My goals for the future, both work wise and life… I would have to say be alive and try to attain some sort of ease and happiness with myself. To be able to take care of myself without the freak-outs, depression, and need to fill a void with false promises, people, and essentially the “junk” in life that brings negativity, which is mostly my thoughts.

I would like to be successful. I don't what I would really like to do other than that. Be happy, be successful, helpful, loving life, and loving the people that are around me unconditionally.

What are you doing when you’re not creating? What (other) hobbies do you have?

When I’m not creating I am working for the “man.” I am currently a burger flipper at McDonald’s, and I hate it mostly. If I am not working I am sleeping or trying to sleep. As it is right now, I am not a student. However, I still try to study. Anatomy for the Artist and The Art of Seeing are books that I am currently reading. I write in my actual journal on occasions. 

I also watch a ton of Netflix, cartoons, and youtube videos. In addition, I am a “Facebook Junkie.” 

I like to hang out with friends, but for some reason I have been isolating myself to the point of debating on if I have friends; or if, whether or not, we’re all “too busy.” I never find the right time to hang out with people or people don’t have or want the time to hang out with me, at least that’s what I feel. 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a horrible person. I wouldn’t say that I am outgoing. I have a super Debbie Downer syndrome. I’m usually never “happy.” But, I do enjoy the bursts of joy that come along with a visit with a good friend, colleague, family member(s), etc.

Do you have any favorite blogs you read?

I don’t really read any blogs. I am starting to, however. Starting with this one and my brother’s. I have branched out to other friends’ and well hopefully we can get links attached to this and whatnot. I usually look at people's websites.

• http://nickovichblog.wordpress.com

• http://mariahboyleart.com/home.html

• http://www.nicholasflatley.com

• http://ericalain.com

• http://karriadieken.com/home.html

• http://www.austinstiegemeier.com

• http://dorkusmonsart.tumblr.com

Digital Painting
8"x10" Print Sold for $40

Do you sell your work?

I don’t normally sell my work… I usually just give it to people and leave it around. People offer me and ask me for something I usually just do it, sold or not. I haven’t sold anything really. 

In addition to the music that I am collaborating with other people to work on I am doing some things for other people visually. I am painting, attempting to paint, a family portrait for a friend. I will be compensated for it. However, the size I am painting it and my skill in painting are frustrating me most of the time that it sets me off. I see it as starting somewhere though. 

Things I have sold were small things. I did a charcoal drawing and mosaic and sold each for $40 in high school to a teacher, that was amazing. I have also sold a comic character to my brother for the price of food when I had no money when I was younger. I sold a print to near stranger who is now a long distance friend. 

What else should we know about you and your work?

I deal mostly with graphics, line work, and definitely trying to branch out to do more versatile work that would hopefully land me an illustrator, design, or even studio art job and career. I would like to somehow incorporate my music and my visual creativity into one another.

James' Introduction to Scissors

The Undead Cat

Scissors is the undead cat that Lee started to draw in high school. It's the near equivalent to his avatar, or thumbnail that is usually acting out or embodies his emotions. The cat is usually drawn on napkins, scraps of paper, doodled in sketchbooks, and even sometimes drawn digitally and messaged to people. Lee has continued to draw this character over years and has been trying to develop a proper storyline or something other than his life for it to act out.

Over the years, other characters have been drawn up to accommodate this lonely cat. However this isn't the first character Lee has created. There is the infamous "Eye-Guy" that Lee has supposedly been drawing since he was still a kid living in Phoenix. However, the only evidence is word of mouth from him and his family.


These images are images he still has and shared with me. However the doodles usually remain as doodles and has his friends at WSU duped, "Art Droppings."

These creations as earlier mentioned are the embodiment of emotions and experiences, often exaggerated or played out by the characters.






Big Red, the red balloon, is Lee's embodiment of  the smart, intelligent, and wise people in world. He says he created him after three people influential in his life: his father, good friend, and other role models in his life.

Half-Pint, the cactus, is Big Red's best friend playing on the irony that it's dangerous for them to even hang out so close.  This closeness is challenged through their interactions, which at first was distant and developed into a casual closeness. However, with the danger ever so present.

I will try to see if I can get ahold of older things that he did in high school that he gave to me.

Destination WSU

Destination WSU

Spring 2009

Hooper

A Small Story and Introduction by James Irwin

A Home in Granger, Washington

I first met Lee after his family moved to Granger. He was staying back and forth between his grandmother and mother's home. I visited him mostly when he was at his mom's and rarely at his grandma's due to the distance.  He did, however, "travel" and moved to Flagstaff to "briefly" to take a break from all the stresses on his life. He occasionally messaged me on myspace, but not really. He was primarily focused on school and repairing a relationship with his father, whom he's never also had the best relationship with.

When he returned after a couple months; he was different. He had cut his hair himself, was a bit arrogant about how hard he worked and even set himself up to live with a "foster" family.  During this time he took photographs with a camera his older brother had bought him for Christmas. He enjoyed going out on walks with his friends or alone.

Some of the pictures that I really enjoyed I took from his old myspace. The quality of the pictures aren't very good. I've talked to him about the originals and whether or not I would be able use them to post his works; however, they were lost on his old computer during the summer of 2010 after being corrupted.

For the last semester of his high school career he was busy, but still going through some personal business.


These images are from an old abandoned elementary school that Lee visited after church one Sunday.

These images are a treasure to him as he was discussing with me after asking him if he had the originals. He claimed that he's really glad that someone like me is shadowing him and had saved these images, although they are all probably floating around the internet. In retrospect, Lee said that he really loved the character of or essence of this place.

"During that time I was really, or still am,  depressed and felt like that place on the inside... ...run down, not really empty, deteriorating, and isolated."

I didn't really know what was going on for him during that time, just that I knew he was going through a rough time and helping him when possible with advice and consolation.



Without further adieu, These are his images.

The Abandoned School

photos from Spring 2009