“I look at forms in nature for inspiration – from microscopic organisms like bacteria and viruses, to moss covered stones, branches of trees, the human body, seedpods, landscapes, star charts, etc., then try to bring all of these disparate elements together in the work,” American artist and designer Liam Lee says. His newest work has been presented at Fog Design + Art in San Francisco by Patrick Parrish Gallery and is an abstract, colorful sight to behold.
Lee, based in New York, has brought to life a series of creature-like chairs and wall hangings through his art. Hand-dyed and felted merino wool covers a cedar frame to build up the shape of the chairs, while the wall hangings are made of mohair and hand-felted merino wool. His focus is on furniture and textiles that explore the dissolving line between interior spaces made by man and the natural environment outdoors. These chairs and wall hangings certainly carry through the feeling of being organic yet unnatural.
Liam Lee is the recipient of a 2022 Wallpaper* Design Award for his pieces shown at the Salon Art + Design Fair in NYC, as well as the Noguchi Museum Shop.
Untitled 05, front (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled 05, back (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled 05, detail (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled 06 (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled 07 (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled 07 (detail) (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled 08, front (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled 08, back (2021), felted merino wool, cedar
Untitled, Green (2021) tapestry, felted merino wool on mohair
Untitled, Green (2021) tapestry, felted merino wool on mohair
To learn more about Liam Lee, visit studioliamlee.com.
Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.
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