Lomayumtewa K. Ishii

The School for Advanced Research is pleased to welcome Lomayumtewa K. Ishii as the 2016 Rollin and Mary Ella King Native Artist Fellow. A member of the Rabbit-Tobacco clan, Ishii comes from a traditional Hopi family, observing ceremonies, learning the history, songs, kachina dancing, and the symbols and designs of the Hopi World. As a young man, he is expected to begin his obligations to the clan and tribe. His art is a reflection of this stage of his life, both as a Hopi and a twenty-first century Native American.

Ishii comments:

“I feel that my art is an extension of being Hopi. The symbols, designs, colors, and my motivation for my art has been the reflection of my life thus far. I feel that I am ready to explore sources for inspiration, creative input, and more focused time to create my art.”

Lomayumtewa Ishii. “My Thoughts, My Prayers”, 2010. Watercolor on paper. Photo courtesy of the artist.

While at IARC, Ishii will explore the Indian Arts Research Center’s extensive collection of Pueblo art and history. This exploration will enable him to gain insight into another time and place that is central to his tribal history. Aware of his limited encounters with historical pieces, he feels that taking critical time to examine the creative aspects of pieces, and to reflect on the time and place in which those pieces were created, will give him insight into not only the creative aspects of the pieces, but of the meanings behind each piece. Ishii writes “I go through a process that’s sort of hard to explain. I get inspiration from old pieces and use my creativity to “explain” them artistically in the present. I still retain the traditional aspects (since I am aware of most of this) and use my stylistics to create my work.” Ishii will create two original paintings on canvas. The first will relate to a universal theme in watercolor and ink using pueblo symbols and abstracting techniques. The second piece will be centered on design elements that have a direct historical connection.

Ishii comes to SAR with the support of his immediate family and extended clan relations, especially his “tahas” (maternal uncles) because he has begun to accept responsibilities in his culture, the most important being participating in ceremonies and growing corn in his field.

Videography by John Sadd.

Videography by John Sadd.