Artist Statement
I am an artist working in mostly acrylic on both paper and canvas. While my primary focus lies in painting, I have also delved into the realm of digital collage, which shares some fundamental processes with my traditional artwork.
In my artistic journey, I have explored various avenues, including found image and word paintings, as well as extensive work in both paper and digital collage. It was during a conversation with a fellow artist and coworker back in 2001 that a unique idea was sparked. She suggested the possibility of translating my collages into paintings—an idea that initially offended me. However, as time progressed, I found myself using collages solely as source material for my paintings.
Within my compositions, I often ground them with a central figure, usually representing a masculine presence. While I conceive all these figures as queer, they are typically an amalgamation of diverse individuals. My work incorporates dynamic gestural lines and vibrant areas of color, which serve to establish a visual foundation. Lately, my artistic exploration has led me to layer compositions, examining the interaction between these layers.
My work examines themes of masculinity, sexuality, nature, and relationships. To choose the elements for my collages, I often employ a random word generator that fuels my Google image searches. From the most captivating results, I construct compositions that weave together disparate elements. Each element becomes a unique tangent in an extensive, meandering conversation, adding an element of randomness and spontaneity to my paintings.
Bio
Daniel Allyn Lee (he/him), an openly gay artist based in Wisconsin, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of art. From his early years in Ohio and Wisconsin, where he found support from inspiring art teachers, to his enrollment in Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts, Daniel's journey has been fueled by passion and creativity. Combining acrylics with traditional and digital collage techniques, he creates compelling compositions that often feature central figures. Daniel's unique artistic approach has gained recognition in exhibitions across St. Louis, Boston, and New York. Beyond his artistic achievements, Daniel finds joy in his loving marriage to his husband, celebrating a life filled with love and artistic expression.
Resume
Group Shows
2022
Pinky Promise – Gamut Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
Open Door - Rosalux Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
Leave a Mark - Wallkill River Center for the Arts, Montgomery, NY
2021
Love… in All Forms - Panopticon Gallery, Boston, MA
Elemental – Gamut Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
It Was All Very Queer - The St. Louis Artists Guild, St. Louis, MO
2012
LiFT Gallery Royal Oak, MI
2011
Starkweather Arts Center – Romeo, MI
2010
Munky King - Los Angeles, CA
Wholly Craft – Columbus, OH
2009
Art Whino - National Harbor, MD
Cranky Yellow - St. Louis, MO
2008
Cranky Yellow - St. Louis, MO
2007
WAN Gallery - Baltimore, MD
2005
Viking Union Gallery - Bellingham, WA
2004
Black Lab Gallery - Seattle, WA
2003
POUND and SOIL galleries - Seattle, WA
The Globe - Seattle, WA
2002
Black Lab Gallery - Seattle, WA
Lock and Keel - Seattle, WA
Sublevelthree Studios - Seattle, WA
2000The Parlor Room - Seattle, WA
Solo Shows
2002
Vita - Seattle, WA
2001
Alibi Room - Seattle, WA
Collections
1997
Meany Tower. Permanent collection - Seattle, WA
arts organizing
1999-2001
Assembly Arts, a non-profit cross-disciplinary arts organization, co-founder, fine arts director, contributor - Seattle, WA
1998-1999
Apt. Art, a series of domestic art events, co-founder, curator and contributor - Seattle, WA
Education
1995-1997
Cornish College of the Arts - Seattle, WA