We had the pleasure of sitting down with Danny Lee, a versatile and passionate artist known for his unique approach to painting and sculpture. In this interview, Lee shares insights into his creative process, the challenges he faces with his chosen mediums, and the emotional and psychological aspects of his artistry. Join us as we delve into the mind of this remarkable artist and explore the depth of his work.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist; What first got you into painting and sculpture and how do you look back on that time now?
My journey as an artist began quite differently from where I find myself now. As a teenager, I drew heavy inspiration from cartoon street artists like Kaws and Ron English, which initially led me to explore graffiti art. Despite being drawn to street art, I hesitated to fully embrace it by tagging trains and buildings, although I vividly recall covering my parents’ backyard walls with a variety of whimsical cartoon characters and nonsensical phrases.
During my mid-20s, I stumbled upon a live painting documentary featuring Jason Martin, a British contemporary artist celebrated for his textured works. Watching him create large-scale abstract pieces with bold oil textures, layering paint without a predetermined direction, was a transformative moment for me. It was then that I fell in love with the freedom and expression inherent in abstract art and realised this was my true calling. From that point onward, I immersed myself in exploring various styles of abstract painting including minimalism, abstract expressionism, action painting, and contemporary techniques.
Currently, my focus lies in intuitive painting, where I create without a specific plan or direction. Whether I’m applying thick strokes of cement-based texture or literally throwing paint onto the canvas from a distance, my art is shaped entirely by my emotions and the current events and circumstances in my life. In my view, this approach has enabled me to produce artworks that would never have materialised through a strictly planned process alone.
Can you walk us through your creative process from the moment you face a blank canvas to the final piece?
Approaching a painting for me can vary dramatically from piece to piece. Ideally, I love to start by sitting down for a few moments with music playing softly in the background. This helps me relax and allows my thoughts and emotions to come to the forefront of my mind. It’s a meditative process that sets the stage for creativity.
However, there are times when I have to squeeze in a short painting session amidst changing nappies and cooking dinner. These sessions often unfold in a frantic rush and usually result in me inadvertently painting over my nice shoes and clothes – a humorous side effect of my multitasking!
In general, it’s crucial for me to approach each piece as calmly as possible. This mindset allows me to flow with the painting, akin to solving a puzzle. I focus on preserving the elements that work well while adjusting and moving others around until everything fits together harmoniously.
Previously Sold, The First Day We Met – By Danny Lee
Is there a particular moment you look forward to during the creation process?
I have a deep appreciation for every aspect of creating art, even the pieces that don’t quite work out as planned. In these moments, there are countless lessons to be learned – from refining techniques to managing and harnessing emotions during the creative process.
Interestingly, I don’t often hear artists discuss the psychological aspects of creating art, but I believe it’s incredibly important. Being able to manage your emotions with sensitivity and control is paramount. In my experience, losing control can swiftly transform a beautiful painting into a shredded pile of canvas in a matter of seconds.
For me, art is not just about technical skill; it’s about cultivating a mindset that allows for both creativity and emotional resilience. It’s about understanding how emotions influence the creative process and learning to navigate that influence constructively. This aspect of artistry, though often overlooked, profoundly impacts the outcome of my work.
If I were to pinpoint a particular moment in the artistic process, it would be sitting back and reflecting on a completed painting. For me, this is when I listen to the emotions and stories the artwork conveys. It’s a deeply introspective moment where the painting reveals its narrative and evokes feelings that were captured during its creation. This reflective stage not only allows me to appreciate the finished piece but also provides insights into my own journey throughout the artistic process.
Do you have a favourite soundtrack or genre that sets the mood for your creative sessions?
Classical music featuring violin and cello is always my go-to when I create art. It’s almost amusing to say out loud, but I find myself imagining that I am the maestro, conducting with my hands in sync with the music. However, when those Spotify ads kick in, it can really ruin the mood.
Close up details of Parting River by Danny Lee
Do you come across any technical challenges you face when working with your chosen mediums, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I face when creating work using pigmented cement is its limited working time before it sets. While this medium produces incredible textures, there’s a narrow window of opportunity to manipulate it. This limitation proves challenging but also pushes me to rely on intuition, creating without the luxury of second-guessing the outcome.
Parting River displayed on dBodhi Karma Sideboard
As a self-taught artist, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who are navigating their creative paths without formal training?
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For me, the absence of formal art education has been liberating. It has allowed me to explore mediums and techniques that may not be considered conventional. In my view, drawing inspiration from other artists is crucial for development. It’s through this process that we learn and evolve. Every artist builds upon the foundations laid by those who came before them; nothing created today is entirely original but rather a fusion of techniques and ideas.
Ultimately, the key is to have fun with your art. There’s no point in being an artist if you’re constantly worried about others’ opinions. Embrace creativity, explore new paths, and enjoy the process without constraints.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re excited about?
This year has been truly remarkable for me full of incredible blessings. I’ve had the opportunity to forge some amazing friendships & partnerships and showcase my work to diverse audiences through collaborative exhibitions. However, the highlight of my year will come in early September when I will have my first solo show at Art Lovers gallery – Melbourne, opening on the 13th. This exhibition will feature a variety of styles and bodies of work, showcasing bold and expressive textured pieces. I’m also excited about presenting new works at the Affordable Art Fair and Trit House later in the year. These opportunities mark significant milestones in my artistic journey, and I’m eager to share my art with a wider audience.
How do you feel about your artwork being showcased at Trit House?
Seeing my paintings displayed throughout the Trit showroom has brought a newfound appreciation for my work that I hadn’t experienced before. While seeing art on a gallery wall is impactful, seeing it in a curated setting alongside incredible pieces of furniture and homewares elevates the paintings to a new level. It’s amazing to have the support of Trit and to showcase my work in such a unique environment.
–
Lee’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of passion and the importance of embracing creativity without constraints. His intuitive approach to painting, coupled with his ability to manage emotions during the creative process, results in deeply expressive and textured works. Danny’s enthusiasm for sharing his art with a wider audience is palpable and we are excited for his first solo show. His collaboration with Trit House offers a unique perspective on how art can be integrated into curated spaces, elevating both the artwork and its surroundings. We currently have the works Mother & Child and Parting River on show in our Hawthorn showroom and available for purchase.