We wrapped up ArtWalk. It was a fun, busy, enthusiastic event focused on the arts. Grand Haven’s ArtWalk is similar to ArtPrize without the pizzazz. It is a grassroots event managed by many volunteers and donors.
Now, on to our next focus – Grand Haven’s Coal Tipple. Our First Friday in November is focusing on building awareness on the deterioration of our coal tipple. The funds have been raised for an engineering study. When the study is completed, we can then make decisions about its future. Will we begin a capital campaign to restore it? All questions to be asked and answered. C2C is hosting an art competition for West Michigan artists to create a piece of artwork focused on the tipple. Robert Michmerhuizen will be co-jurying the competition with me. I am excited to see what is created.
With those thoughts, I decided to interview each artist in the TippleAid Crew. Our first artist is Lee Brown. Many of you know, Lee. He works in metal, stone, wood, ceramics, and other mediums. He has won numerous awards throughout the midwest.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
Lee: “Part of my creative process is a constant bombardment with images, textures, and materials from diverse sources. What turns me on creatively is when all these elements coalesce into an idea for a piece and when ideas flow from one to the next as work is completed.”
Do you have an influence or theme that guides your work?
Lee: “I’m interested in work from around the world, the more connected the work is to the earth the more likely to grab my attention. Color, texture, symbols, ritual objects, patterning, natural phenomena, etc.”
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Lee: “Materials development.”
What profession would you not like to do?
Lee: “Office Manager.”
Who are your favorite artists?
Lee: “My Favorites at this point are Constantin Brancusi, Louise Nevelson and Isamu Noguchi.”
What is your favorite tool used to create your work?
Lee: “Lately I have been restoring some old hand planes, they are very satisfying and versatile when sharp and working well.”
What is your favorite word?
Lee: “Possible.”
What is your least favorite word?
Lee: “Limit.”
Who is your favorite musician?
Lee: “Bob Dylan.”
How much formal education have you received? Related to your craft.
Lee: “Graduated Kendall School of Design with an Illustration major Advertising minor.”
I would like to thank Lee for this interview. I appreciate his time and thoughts. I hope you enjoy getting to know him a little better. For more information about the Tipple Art Competition, go to: c2cgallery.com or facebook.com/c2cgallery
