Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Lee.
Hi Anthony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had had been drawing my whole life, but didn’t start painting until I was in college. I went to art school and explored painting and sculpture and working in a gallery. My professor Gilda Snowden believed in me when I was a nervous lost kid and passed on to me a job to paint a mural for a Vietnam veterans memorial in Detroit, and from that experience, I was hooked forever.
She taught me a lot of things, and effortlessly reminded me of the profound magic in ordinary normal things, in mark-making, and the magic of community partnerships.
Mural painting combined my love of painting/public art with my aspirations toward post-studio work and community engagement.
Since then I have painted over 290+ murals & am still a full-time Artist painting all around MetroDetroit for public, Private, & corporate businesses, schools, restaurants, and non-profits.
Companies such as The Detroit Pistons, MotorCity Casino, City of Sterling Heights, City of Detroit, & Detroit Public Schools.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was self taught when it came to large scale paintings, and I learned a lot of valuable lessons about balancing personal art, commissioned art for businesses, commissioned art for private properties, and how to price & quote jobs. For years I had searched for any opportunities that I could get it & after years of quality work, most of my jobs are now by referral thankfully.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in large scale painting, such as murals, street art, signage, and illustration.
I’m known for painting a tall RoboCip mural in Detroit as well as many Detroit Music Icon portraits throughout the city.
I’ve known for being one of the most versatile artists in all Metro Detroit, in terms of style and speed.
What sets me apart are my ways of problem-solving and markmaking, and or understanding the goals of the people or business, to activate the environment with intention.
The 3 things I’m most proud of are :
First of all, My tribute painting of Vincent Chin. This pushed me to advocate/learn about his story,
which put me on the frontpage of the New York Times. Rest In Power Vincent.
Second would be my Detroit Pistons background Mural that featured me in the start of the season commercial with Detroit legends.
The third would be my hallways of Historic Role Model African American heroes commissioned by MLK’s Fraternity at Dossin Elementary Middle School in Detroit.
What are your plans for the future?
I will continue to serve the community, no matter how small or big the project . One day I would like to reopen my Hidden Gate Gallery someday & with more local staff, to continue to engage and support the Detroit community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/a.l.wrk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dj5eSuJkK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
