Interview | Ian Lee
Ian Lee is a visual artist based in Sydney, Australia. He received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Finance from Northwood University in the United States, and a Master's degree in Project Management from the University of Sydney. He is currently pursuing a second Master's degree in Marketing at Western Sydney University. Ian has had a passion for art since childhood, particularly calligraphy, and has always been interested in exploring new and diverse experiences. His work primarily focuses on capturing various aspects of daily life through photography, using both his phone and film camera. His piece, "im still alive," was recently selected by ACAA and displayed in the Monochrome Photography Exhibition.
As an artist, Ian believes that art is deeply rooted in everyday life. He sees art everywhere, from the streets to campuses, even to subway stations. Therefore, he strives to document these fleeting moments through his phone and camera because he believes that the only way to preserve art is through recording it. Ian also believes that everyone has a unique way of interpreting and experiencing art, which is why he views all interpretations of art as belonging to the individual. He hopes that everyone can appreciate and embrace art, no matter how abundant or scarce it is in their lives, as it is worth recording.
As a collector of moments, Ian plans to focus more on shooting portraits and exploring the intersection between society and individuals in the future. He believes that his photographs can serve as a way to document those aspects of daily life that often go unnoticed.
Lee's work is deeply influenced by his belief that art is everywhere in daily life. He views art as a form of preservation and documentation of life, and he uses photography as a means of capturing the beauty of everyday moments. Ian believes that everyone has a unique perspective on art, and he strives to create works that can resonate with and be appreciated by individuals in different ways.
Through his work, Ian hopes to encourage others to recognize the importance of recording and documenting life's fleeting moments. He believes that every moment is worth capturing and that each individual's unique perspective is what makes art so special. His current work focuses on capturing portraits and exploring the intersection of individuals and society.
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10 Questions with Artist Ian Lee
May 6, 2023
Q1. As an artist, you have an impressive interdisciplinary background in business administration, finance, and marketing. How do you balance your academic pursuits with your artistic endeavors, and do you find that they complement each other?
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First of all, I have always believed that art originates from life, and photography is the kindest form of art for people like us who are not art majors. Unlike other forms of art, photography does not require a significant amount of time investment. As a medium for communicating art, all we need to do in our daily lives is to pick up our phone or camera and capture those moments we want to document. Of course, I do not deny that learning technical skills requires time investment, and I am still on that journey. Besides recording daily life, I also prioritize my time and plan to ensure that I invest enough time in both activities.
Regarding art and academia, I believe that they are complementary to some extent. Art can also be an important component of marketing and finance. For example, art can be used to create visually striking and aesthetically pleasing marketing materials such as advertisements, magazines, and even my own work such as creating a website or designing interfaces. Additionally, art can also serve as an investment tool, with investors buying and selling art as a way to generate returns. Of course, I can also use my professional knowledge to realize art projects such as curating exhibitions. Therefore, I believe that in many ways, everyone is inseparable from art.
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Q2. How did your passion for calligraphy develop in your childhood, and has it influenced your approach to photography in any way?
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I think I was influenced more by my family. My great-grandfather was a traditional Chinese painter and calligrapher, and he was also a descendant of the Wu School of painting. Therefore, I had more opportunities to be exposed to Chinese painting and calligraphy from a young age. Calligraphy is also a part of Chinese painting signature. Based on my own interest in writing, and my family's desire to cultivate in me an attitude of modesty and composure in the face of challenges, I chose calligraphy as my artistic pursuit.
I have never thought about how calligraphy could influence my photography approach because calligraphy and photography are different art forms. However, upon further reflection, there might be some connections between the two. They both use composition, lines, and form to create visual interest and convey ideas. In this sense, learning and practicing calligraphy may impact a photographer's composition and visual storytelling methods.
For example, calligraphy often emphasizes the importance of negative space and balance in composition. Calligraphers may use the white space between characters to create a harmonious layout while also paying attention to the overall balance of the work. Similarly, photography may use negative space and composition elements to create balance and visual interest in the photo. Additionally, both calligraphy and photography require attention to detail and precise methods. Calligraphy must carefully create each character and stroke, while photography also needs to pay attention to every detail in the scene to capture the perfect image.
No Control, Phone, 2023
Q3. Can you describe your creative process when capturing daily life moments through photography?
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First, regarding creative inspiration, I believe that I maintain an open attitude towards all new ideas, and at the same time, I need to detach myself and observe and capture these moments as a third person. I may not specifically plan for a photoshoot, search for locations, consider lighting, choose suitable equipment, etc. I always feel that if I set up all the plans and equip all the equipment, those subtle moments of life will be missed. For example, I would give myself some free time, bring a camera, take a train that departs soon, go to a random place, observe and experience without any purpose, and then capture interesting moments in some moments, even on the way. This is my favorite creative process. Of course, after the shooting, I will also take time to edit the photos, think about different composition methods and cropping adjustments, and apply them to the next shooting.
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Lost Call, Phone, 2023
Q4. How do you hope your audience will connect with and interpret your photography?
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I hope that my work can evoke empathy in the viewer. Of course, this feeling does not necessarily have to be identical to my own, as everyone is composed of different stories. We may have similarities, but we are also unique individuals. Therefore, I do not want the viewer to approach my work like they are reading comprehension and interpreting it in a fixed way. I hope that while looking at my work, they can also relate to their own emotions or experiences. Of course, I may also create many uninteresting works, so I accept all interpretations, which can make it a very interesting thing.
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Q5. Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you have faced in your artistic career, and how you have overcome them?
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I think the biggest challenge in art creation is the transition between interest and professionalism. I think most of the time we only enjoy the presentation of art, but not the process of art creation, because when you delve into a certain field, there is always too much theoretical knowledge and technical skills to learn. I am also on this road, and I don't even know if I have started. But I think the best way to overcome this is always love. Although this answer feels vague, I really can't find a better answer, because I am a person who is very averse to mechanical overcoming difficulties, listing one, two, three, and following them, and even likes to escape. Fortunately, I am willing to accept all new things and experience all feelings, so maybe my answer cannot help people with the same obstacles, but love is something that every art lover needs to embrace.
I Don't Know You but Want to, phone, 2023
Q6. How has the art scene in Sydney and your multicultural background influenced your artistic perspective and approach?
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I believe both of these experiences have helped me broaden my understanding of different perspectives and ways of life, which can be translated into more nuanced and inclusive artistic approaches. I have made friends from all over the world and been exposed to different cultures and viewpoints, and the sense of cultural dislocation that comes with these backgrounds can inspire new ideas and artistic expressions. For example, I prefer to shooting portraits and controversial topics though it can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. It can help me develop a unique perspective and voice as an artist but I will remember to approach these subjects with sensitivity and respect.
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Q7. How do you see the role of photography and art in society, particularly in today's digital age?
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Photography and art have always played an important role in society as tools for self-expression, storytelling, social commentary, and cultural exchange. In today's digital age, their role has been further expanded by social media and digital technology, allowing art and artists to reach a wider audience and participate in new forms of artistic expression.
I believe that photography has become a powerful tool for capturing and documenting social issues and cultural events, raising awareness and stimulating discussions about important topics. It also has the power to shape ideas and influence public opinion, as well as create visual memories that can be shared across generations. In today's digital age, art can be easily shared and consumed, making it a powerful force in bringing people together and creating new communities and dialogues. Through photography and art, it is possible to challenge social norms, customs, express dissent, and promote social change.
Breathe, phone, 2023
Q8. Can you talk about your piece "im still alive" included in our exhibition Monochrome and the inspiration behind it?
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Actually, this work is a scene that I happened to come across. I was taking a aimless walk in the harbor near my home, watching small crabs shuttle between oysters attached to the embankment, and there were pufferfish and jellyfish in the sea. I probably stayed there for nearly an hour, and then I saw an old man walking bent over and sitting on the steps, staring at the shimmering sea. At that moment, I was touched and felt something had grabbed me inside. I was thinking, when I am old, will I come to see the sea shining in the sunlight too? Will I be alone, live a lonely life, or suffer the loss of a loved one, or will it be plain enough for me to accept everything that time brings? At that time, I lifted my phone from behind and took this picture. For a long time, I didn't give it a name until this "Monochrome" exhibition, where my brother and I named it "im still alive." We want to express the past that was taken away by the ebbing seawater, but the remaining brilliance shines like life in the sunset years.
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Q9. What advice would you give to aspiring photographers or artists who are just starting out?
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Hahaha, actually I think of myself as someone who has just started out as well. I even feel a bit out of place calling myself a photographer or an artist, as I feel more like a documenter. My advice would be to go out and experience and feel things, don't try to be unique just for the sake of being unique, and don't lose yourself on the path to self-discovery. Root yourself in your life, experience the most primal and carefree joy and the deepest sorrow, and think more about them. These are all valuable life experiences, and only these can make you become a more unique version of yourself.
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Q10. Can you share any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations that you have in the works?
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Collaborating with ACAA is an exciting opportunity, and I would even say that the "Monochrome" exhibition has further enhanced my passion for art. ACAA has provided me with a more professional platform to showcase my artwork. I hope that there will be more opportunities in the future for us to collaborate on projects. Of course, I am also continuing to explore and experience life, such as trying out modeling, capturing more socially significant pieces, and even hosting an outdoor photography exhibition myself.
Through, phone, 2022