He has been working with wood for only four years, but has yet to be bored.
Lee Chang Hee started woodworking organically when he saw wooden plates – his admiration sparked his interest and after doing a little bit of research to see how to make the plates himself, he decided to take a wood turning class. After the class, he began to experiment felt true freedom in his experimentation. Through woodworking, he met the vehicle that would usher in the about-face in his life. The artist quit his IT job and moved to the countryside to continue his practice. He says, “Wood is not a medium you can win against. You can only work in the way the wood wants you to work. And you can’t rush anything.” Wood gave him permission to be agile and change with his medium. He has been working with wood for only four years, but has yet to be bored. For one, wood is a tough material, and there are so many varieties, so when he touches wood, it always introduces something interesting. There is a ritual in taking care of wood. It may feel laborious, but Lee likens the process to his meditation practice – his pieces would last forever if you care for them correctly (a poignant life lesson, too).
