Les Lees
Maker
Throughout the 1970/80’s I exhibited my work in a variety of single and group exhibitions e.g. one man show Zella Gallery New Orleons, group shop PMC exhibition Barbican London. In the late 1980’s I began work in art education, culminating in 2011 when I retired from the post of Faculty Director for Creative Industries at Bournemouth and Poole College. Since retirement I have worked with a wide range of mediums and techniques. This past three years I have concentrated solely on making sculptures and craft items, with the emphasis on using reclaimed timber and giving it a new lease of life. The aims being to create objects which are ergonomically pleasing and tactile. The desired outcome, is to create objects which are not only visually desirable in shape and form, but also pleasing to the touch. Having originally been discarded ‘wooden pallets on a building site’ they bring with them a variety of colour and surface texture, which cannot be found in sterile new wood from a timber yard. In addition, I incorporate gold and silver leaf that brings a hint of ‘Bling’ to what was originally rough-hewn wood covered in mud and cement dust. To create contrast and (for external sculptures) waterproofing. I use the Japanese technique of wood burning ‘shou sugi ban’ which provides a rich black surface to the works. Having made the objects I gather a considerable amount of sawdust! to ensure this bi-product is also not wasted. I have built a ‘sawdust kiln’ with which I fire ceramic pots and sculptures. By adding salts / seaweed to the sawdust mixture this creates a wide range of colours and textures. During this past three years I have exhibited in groups exhibitions and via Dorset Art Weeks opened my garden for exhibition.
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: leslees51art.com