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See our gallery of Tim's work here.
(Cult)ure: What is your background and education in art?
Tim Lee: I have been to Art College and studied art at university, though I often feel in hindsight that I didn’t learn or get taught much of use. My work was totally different from what it is now, but I guess that it takes some people a little longer to find their voice. I wouldn’t say it was a waste of time by any means, as the chain of events has led me to produce work that I’m now happy with. I just think that I was ill prepared for the art world.
 What first inspired you to become an illustrator, and what motivates you to continue to do so?
Nothing inspired me to become an illustrator, I wanted to be an artist. I fell into illustration by chance. I sent my work off to countless people and it was an illustration agency that responded.
I feel that both terms are misleading in relation to my work; I think I’m somewhere in the middle, as illustration is often something that operates on an direct, narrative and aesthetic level, whereas art works on a myriad of levels. What drives me is that this is what I love doing and I get a good feeling out of it. I’m very passionate about what I do, I don’t have a choice in the matter, and I’ll always make images.
What are your work habits like - do you have a particular room or space you generally work in, or a particular time of day, or a set routine? (Your pieces are very finely detailed, and apparently quite large - how long does it generally take to complete one?)
My studio is basically my bedroom. My desk is far too small, as you will see in the interview I did with Scratch Films. The ways in which I work vary depending on how I feel. Some days I can’t draw, and other days it will just happen. I generally get my ideas late at night and start the pieces then. I never begin a drawing in the daytime -- it doesn’t seem to work for me that way. But once I have started, I will work non-stop until they’re done. Usually a drawing can take about a week to complete, depending on scale of course, but my largest piece to date took well over a month of constant work.
What sort of arts community is there where you live? Do you meet and talk to other artists, musicians, writers, designers? Are there many events or venues for you to promote and exhibit your work?
Currently I’m based Leicester (Midlands). I moved from Leeds to London, but due to unforeseen circumstances I had move back to the Midlands. In Leicester there is nothing. I mean literally nowhere to show your work unless it’s a bar. The galleries that are around show watercolours, things for the home. I’m planning another move to London soon, where I’m in talks with a few galleries down there.
What's on the horizon for you? Is there anywhere in North America where we'll be able to see your work?
Here are my upcoming gallery shows in the US and Canada, curated by Beau Basse of Lebasse:Projects
Apr 3, 2009 -- “The Kids are Alright” Tour, T and P Fine Art, Philadelphia, PA
May 1, 2009 -- “The Kids are Alright” Tour, Subtext, San Diego, CA.
July TBD, 2009 -- “The Kids are Alright” Tour, Black Maria Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Aug 7, 2009 -- “The Kids are Alright” Tour, Show and Tell Gallery, Toronto, Canada
TBD, 2009 -- “The Kids are Alright” Tour, Art Basel, Miami, FL
Also a group show at the London Miles gallery, “Waking Aurora,” on May 7th.
I have some additional shows here in the UK in the coming months, I’m just waiting for confirmation on those, so keep an eye out on my blog.
www.timleeart.com
http://timmyleeartworks.blogspot.com
Related Articles:
Love, Death, Beauty: The Work of Tim Lee
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