Sienna Gonzales: Somewhere in June

Oftentimes, Indigenous artists can be constrained in terms of how they’re able to express themselves, or are even scrutinized for their art not looking “Native” enough. In reality, there’s no limit to the vast amount of forms of self-expression available to Indigenous artists, a fact exemplified by content-creator, illustrator, and makeup artist, Sienna Gonzales. Their work and illustrations are full of vibrant colors and imagery that excite the mind, with stories and feeling imbued into each piece of work. The vast amount of themes and subjects they represent through their drawings is a testament to the reach and potential that Indigenous creatives can have in their art.

Last month, Sienna was selected to illustrate the Google Doodle for Barbara May Cameron’s 69th birthday. Barbara was an Indigenous social rights activist who spoke out for LGBTQ2S+ causes and wider acceptance within the Native community, and eventually co-founded Gay American Indians, a group whose mission was to create a safe space for natives who were excluded from queer communities because of their race.

She Towers had the opportunity to speak with Sienna and hear all about her journey as an artist, what she likes to create, and her recent work for Barabra’s Google Doodle!

Can you introduce yourself to us?

Hello! I am a queer Mexican and Chitimachan artist based in Los Angeles. I find joy working as a content creator, illustrator, makeup artist, and private art instructor. I earned my BFA from UCLA.

My artistic endeavors span various mediums, but I find the most fulfillment in illustration and creative writing. I draw inspiration from my own experiences of love, longing, and grief and create art as a means of processing these complex feelings. 

I prefer drawing without strict adherence to photo accuracy, as I believe it hinders my artistic voice. Bias and perspective, which uniquely shape what we draw, reveal more about the artist than the subjects themselves. In a broader sense, everything we do is self-portraiture: the lipstick ring we leave on a mug, the slant of our handwriting, the way we each describe the sky as a different shade of blue. I don’t pretend to know universal truths; I make art about what I know and what I know is myself.

When did you first start creating art, what were some of your early inspirations?

My artistic journey began in 1999 when I was just a year old. I can still recall my first original piece—a wobbly chalk drawing of smiling faces in my grandmother’s backyard. Portraiture became my primary focus during those early years, as I found immense excitement and inspiration in capturing the unique features, clothing, and expressions of individuals. While I appreciate landscapes and still life drawings, people have always been my biggest passion.

Courtesy of Sienna Gonzales

Can you tell us a little about what you like to draw?

My favorite things to draw are surreal internal landscapes with my original characters. This cast of illustrative birds, wolves, and alligators draw influence from Keith Haring, folk art, and children’s illustrations, and serve as flexible stand-ins for myself, people I’ve known, and intangible entities. Their long beaks and bendy limbs have become so deeply ingrained in the language of my work that I hardly think twice when I add them to a scene.

How does your heritage and culture play into your artwork?

While my family has lost many connections to our cultural roots, my Latinx and Indigenous background has instilled in me a deep appreciation for representation and inclusivity. These values are consistently at the forefront of my artistic process. Having experienced the loneliness, otherness, and alienation that can arise from underrepresentation, I strive to create artwork that helps others feel seen and validated.

Courtesy of Sienna Gonzales

Birds are often featured in your work; can you tell us about the significance behind them?

Birds hold a special place in my art. They’ve taken so many different forms over the years, showing up in my work as antagonists, guides, and sometimes symbols of myself. I’m drawn to the simultaneous elegance and awkwardness birds embody: their frantic hops, wide dark eyes, intricate social rituals, and beautiful feathers all paint a complex portrait that I find relatable. When I was a teenager and my anxiety was particularly difficult, I would refer to my rapid pulse as my “hummingbird heart” to make the sensation less scary. Bird motifs were a perfect outlet for self expression and reflection during a time when I didn’t like how I looked and didn’t feel connected to my physical self. 

You also have a whole account dedicated to your work as a makeup artist; can you tell us how makeup is another medium for your art and how it can be another method of self-expression?

Makeup is indeed another medium for my art and a powerful form of self-expression. Similar to painting on a canvas, makeup allows me to transform faces into living artworks. Through the use of color, texture, and contouring, I can enhance features and convey emotions, just as I would with a drawing. As an illustrator, I don't often have the opportunity to collaborate with other creatives, so working alongside photographers, stylists, and other artists on set feels like a breath of fresh air.

You recently worked on a Google Doodle of Barbara May Cameron; can you tell us about the process of being chosen to create it and how you went about creating the piece? (you can check the doodle out here)

Being selected to create the Google Doodle honoring Barbara May Cameron was an extraordinary privilege. The process involved extensive revisions and research to ensure I captured not only Barbara's essence but also the weight of her impact on the Queer community. By visually representing significant aspects of her life and achievements, I aimed to create a meaningful and engaging depiction of her story.

How did it feel to be able to represent Barbara in this way with your own art?

Representing Barbara through my art was a deeply fulfilling experience. It was a privilege to commemorate her contributions and celebrate her achievements in my style. I felt a profound sense of responsibility to accurately convey her story and inspire others to learn more about her remarkable life.

When the drawing went live, I received an outpouring of positive feedback and comments from individuals around the world. Residing in California, where diversity is more prevalent, I sometimes forget how challenging it can be to find queer representation in other parts of the world. The most heartwarming comments came from queer children in conservative areas who were delighted to finally see a positive depiction of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Courtesy of Sienna Gonzales

Where can our readers learn more about you and your work?

To explore more of my artwork, readers can visit my website: https://www.somewhereinjune.com/. I currently have open commission slots, so feel free to send me an email if you have a project in mind! You can also find me on TikTok and Instagram as @somewhere_in_june, and for my work as a makeup artist, you can follow me on Instagram @sienna_eleanora.