Artist Statement:
Working throughout the North of England and Scotland, Pui Lee is an interdisciplinary artist specialising in drawing, 2D + printmaking, video, installation, sculpture and photography. She has exhibited widely - nationally and internationally.
Her work investigates the human condition and touches on ideas of reality and existence, with a particular emphasis on the emotive space. Recurrent themes include: space, scale, the theatrical, the concept of the boundary as well as the interplay between presence and absence. Essentially, the works explore the silence that we all feel as human beings at some point in our lives. The work often draws the viewer into an uncertain world where truth and imagination come into conflict whilst simultaneously referencing the theatrical and in some cases, almost clichéd romantic ideals…
The story continues…
Education:
West Gate Community College, Newcastle.
- OCR Level 5 Award Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector [DTLLS] (Full Postgraduate Teaching Diploma)
- OCR Level 4 Award in Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector [PTLLS]
University of Cumbria (formerly Cumbria Institute of the Arts), Carlisle, Cumbria.
- MA Contemporary Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- National Open College Progression Award: Framework for Accelerating Creative Enterprise Phase 2 (6 credits at Level 3)
- Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: (Distinction grade)
Exhibitions and Screenings:
2023:
- Ozzie the Octopus (2023)- a giant pink puppeteered octopus. Choreography by Southpaw Dance Company, Sunderland. Commissioned to design and build parade art sculpture by The Cultural Spring/South Tyneside Council. As part of South Tyneside Festival Parade: [Theme: Coast: Under the Sea]
- Collective Paper-Craft Art Installation, "Untitled: Colour Explosion" (2023) (made in collaboration with adult service users from The Millin Centre Charity) exhibited at Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art, Gateshead, in March 2023 as part of the GemArts: Holi Festival of Colours 2023)
2022:
- 20:20 Print Exchange this year. One print out of every edition of 25 submitted made goes on tour to various workshops and galleries.
- Woodcut print, "Tale as Old as Time!" (2022) exhibited at group exhibition, "Hadrian's Wall Collaborative Print - 1900 Festival" at Northern Print Gallery, Newcastle. (10th August 2922 - October 2022; and the exhibition will then go to Florence Arts Centre, West Cumbria in November - December 2022)
- "Taking Flight" (2022) - exhibition of artworks made by participants from Whitley Bay BigLocal and Barnardos: The Base. They took part in my workshops to learn about: Origami, Rock painting, Installation art, Mosaic and Sculpture using modroc and recycled materials. As part of 3 month commissioned BayCreate community engagement project.
- "Now Then" (2022) - collaboration with Year 5 pupils at Redby Academy, Seaburn, at Jubilee Postbox exhibition, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Tyne and Wear.
2021:
- 20:20 Print Exchange this year! One print out of every edition of 25 submitted made goes on tour to various workshops and galleries. I submitted a woodcut print, My Gift to You (2021). See the works at exhibitions around the country and overseas.
- My woodcut and mokuhanga print, "Something Marvellous!" (2021) was chosen to feature in NARC magazine: Issue #175 (online and hardcopy) Page 10. Magazine devoted to the home of alternative music and culture in the North East. (August-September 2021)
- Woodcut and mokuhanga print, "Something Marvellous!" (2021) exhibited at group exhibition, "Love Nature More", at Northern Print gallery, Newcastle. (14th July 2021-11th September 2021)
- Giant Collaborative Collagraph Artwork: "Lowry's Marketplace" [with sections by made studio members including myself] at Northern Print gallery, Newcastle.
2020:
- Designed and created woodcut print design, "Heart of London Chinatown" (2020) for exclusive souvenir and homeware range for London Chinatown as part of artist residency project at China Exchange, London. All profits go towards funding future heritage and community projects in Chinatown. Souvenir items: digital print artwork, cushion cover and bone china mug are available for purchase on their online shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MadeInChinatownLDN?fbclid=IwAR3RG9t1H34Ce6jRBm7K_Oo-uHBVX89HK8mJrChqviuXP-ZeRpR3MkyXmqk
- Selected print: "Owl and the Moon" (2020), woodcut on Fabriano Unica, for online shop of Northern Print, Newcastle
- Selected print: "Small Things (2020), woodcut on Fabriano Rosapina, featured in online group exhibition on Northern Print website and also on-site group exhibition, "Small Pleasures", at Northern Print Gallery, Newcastle. From 27th Nov 2020 onwards.
- Created collagraphy plate for Collaborative Collagraph Artwork: "Lowry's Marketplace" at Northern Print Gallery, Newcastle.
- Selected print: "Owl and the Moon" (2020), woodcut on Fabriano Unica, featured in online printmaking exhibition, "Moon", hosted by Linocut Printmakers. See: .https://linocutprintmakers.weebly.com/moon.html From 6th Nov 2020 onwards.
- Will feature in a video for worldwide showcase as part of Create Day on 10th October 2020. This is a new global initiative from the team behind London Craft Week, celebrating the talented makers, their creative processes and their work. The core programme will be presented digitally over 24 hrs beginning in Asia before moving onto UK and Europe and finally North America.
- My drawing, "Wolf Spirit (2020), was selected from over 300 entries to be part of the Long List Online Exhibition as part of Doncaster Art Fair's exhibition: "Art as a response to Mental Health". 12th June 2020 - 30th June 2020.
- "Snow Leopard: Endurance" (2020), pencil and biro on paper drawing to 'SFS: Introducing' exhibition opportunity by Explorers of Extinction. Will await to hear outcome but all submissions will be available for purchase to support their campaign to raise awareness about threats facing wildlife and wild spaces whilst also helping to raise funds for conservation! :-)
- Submitted audio recording as part of "The Great John Cage Project Lockdown Podcast" (June 2020)
2019:
- Taking part in the 20:20 Print Exchange this year! One print out of every edition of 25 submitted made goes on tour to various workshops and galleries. I submitted a woodcut print, Coy (2018). See the works at exhibitions around the country and overseas.
- Paper Folded Butterflies Installation at Alternative Futures group exhibition at Thought Foundation, Birtley, Tyne and Wear. (27 May to 02 April 2019) & "Meet the Artist" event on 02 April 2019.
- Artist Talk and Demo of Print-Work at BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival at The Sage, Gateshead. (31/03/2019) Sold 1 x print!
- Showing woodcut print as part of Group Show: "Rattlebag" at Northern Print, Newcastle. (06 Feb 2019 - 16 March 2019)
- Exhibiting woodcut print as part of group exhibition, "21 Years of an Angel" at The Gallery, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Sold 1 x print!
- Showing and selling woodcut prints at CFCCA gallery shop, Manchester. (August 2018 to April 2019).
2018:
- Showing and selling woodcut prints at Northern Print gallery shop, Newcastle. (Nov 2018 onwards).
- Showing woodcut print as part of Group Show: "Dotty Project" at Northern Print, Newcastle. As part of Great Exhibition of the North 2018. (August 2018)
- Showing and selling woodcut prints at CFCCA gallery shop, Manchester. (August 2018 to April 2019). Work was also taken to Northern Art Carbooty Event at Sadler's Yard and Plant NOMAs for display and sale on (27/08/2018). Sold 1 x print!
- Showing woodcut prints and doing demo of manual printing press at Summer Open Studios Event 2018 at Education Room, Northern Print, Newcastle. As part of Great Exhibition of the North 2018. 11am-2pm. (01/07/2018)
- Delivered family-friendly art and crafts workshop and having an Art Sale stall as part of RivFEST 2018, Warrington. 1pm-6pm. (14/07/2018)
- Artist Talk and Demo of Print-Work plus works on show at BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival at The Sage, Gateshead. (10+11/03/2017)
- 1 woodblock print and 1 woodblock + chine colle print at Printer's Pie group exhibition at Northern Print Gallery, Newcastle. (01 Feb 2018 -10 March 2018) Sold 1 x print!
- 3 woodblock prints for The Art Sale at Queen's Hall Art Centre, Hexham, Northumberland. (02/12/2017 to 06/01/2018)
- Taking part in the 20:20 Print Exchange this year! One print out of every edition submitted made goes on tour to various workshops and galleries. I submitted a woodcut print. See the works at exhibitions at:
~ Neo: arts Gallery (Bolton, England) [13th Jan 2018 -13th Feb 2018]
~West Yorkshire Print Workshop (nr Huddersfield, England) [20th Feb - 24th March 2018]
~Hong Kong Baptist University [8th May-30th May 2018]
~Highland Print Studio (Inverness, Scotland) [dates t.b.c]
~The Arthouse, Wakefield...etc
2017:
- 3 woodblock prints for The Art Sale at Queen's Hall Art Centre, Hexham, Northumberland. (02/12/2017 to 06/01/2018)
- Accepted woodblock print for 20:20 - Print Exchange. (Autumn/Winter 2017)
- Showing woodblock prints and doing demo of electronic press at LATE SHOWS 2017 at Northern Print, Newcastle. (20/05/2017)
- Artist Talk and Demo of Print-Work at BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival at The Sage, Gateshead. (18/03/2017)
- Showing woodblock + chine colle print at group show: Northern Print Footprints 2017 at Northern Print Gallery, Newcastle. (09 Feb- 11 Mar 2017.)
2016:
- 1 woodblock print exhibited at "Cumbria Artists Showcase" Group Exhibition at New Squares, Penrith, Cumbria. (20 Oct- 13 Nov 2016.) Plus artist-in-residence demo day on 12th Nov with additional prints for show and sale....Sold 4 x prints!
- 1 woodblock print selected for "Engaging with Print" Group Exhibition at Gallery 45, Felton Arts Centre, Felton, Northumberland. As part of International Print Bienniale. (08 October - 23 November 2016.)
- 2 woodblock prints selected for Northern Print Studio Members Exhibition at St. Dominic's Priory Church, Newcastle. As part of International Print Bienniale. (30 Sept -02 Oct 2016.)
- 25 YEARS: ...To Infinity and Beyond! (concept by Pui Lee); a collaborative parade art project with Alphabet House Day Nursery as part of SpareParts Arts Festival parade at the annual Fleetwood Tram Sunday event. (July 2016)
- Etchings selected for In or Out (2016) -a group exhibition at Chester Arts Centre, Chester. Etchings on show. (5th June 2016 - 19th June 2016) ...Sold work!
2015:
- The Blind-Side (2015), till receipt installation, as part of West Walls Artist Retrospective Group Exhibition at The Old Fire Station Arts Centre, Carlisle. (4th Dec 2015 - 13th Dec 2015)
- Christmas Fayre at The Manor House, Newcastle. 2pm-4pm. Had a stall selling hand-made art and craft items with great success! ...Sold work!
- The Big Draw! "Drawing Challenge: Every Drawing Tells a Story!" -Exhibition of drawings produced by participants at workshop with Artist Pui Lee at The Gallery at Gateshead Central Library, Tyne and Wear. (03/10/2015 -->)
- "Creative Compositions!" - A Big Draw! project by Pui Lee and museum visitors at Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, Carlisle. Mixed media piece on paper, approx 10ft x 8ft, was created at Big Draw! event 11am-3pm on 27/10/2015. (27th October 2015 - 1st November 2015)
- "All the Money in the World" (2015) - A participatory installation of till receipts by Artist Pui Lee, which explores ideas of wealth and value. As part of her Creative Currency Casino! project at The People's History Museum, Salford. The work on show is inspired by the exhibition, "Show Me Your Money" and is currently in the Learning Area in the same gallery space. July 2015 - January 2016.
- Display of hand-made banknotes by families who participated in summer pARTicipate drop-in art workshops with Artist Pui Lee as part of her Creative Currency Casino! project at The People's History Museum, Salford. The work on show is inspired by the exhibition, "Show Me Your Money". The work will be on show until November 2015.
- Submitted some framed working drawings for Knowsley Open Exhibition at Huyton Gallery, Knowsley.
- "The Wonder Wall!" (2015) at The Education Room at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland. (Participatory installation; concept by Pui Lee) Made whilst working with families at ASD-Friendly Family Art Workshops at NGCA. To coincide with artist Jeffrey Dennis' "Ringbinder" exhibition.
- Submitted photography piece, "Untitled (2005)"as part of Derek Eland's "Memento" (2015) installation at CALDEWGATE 1991-2015 Exhibition at University of Cumbria, Caldewgate Fine Art Campus, Carlisle. 17th-30th July 2015.
- "Sweet City" (2015) at The Drawing Room at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland. (Recycled materials installation by Pui Lee) To coincide with The Caravan Gallery exhibition.
2014:
- Art exhibition by children who participated in Art Summer School with Artist Pui Lee at NGCA, Sunderland. The work on show is inspired by the exhibition, "Show Me Your Money". (Venue: Education Room, NGCA; 25th July 2014 - 30th August 2014).
- "The Market" exhibition by Alder Community High School and Pui Lee, at CFCCA, Manchester. (Participatory installation; concept by Pui Lee.) As part of CFCCA's START arts education project. (7th-15th June 2014)
- Participated in West End Festival 2014 (Glasgow) parade as Creative Director & Artist. 4 of my designed lantern-inspired costumes were worn by Glasgow residents in the parade line-up. My commissioned giant Chinese Opera Mask centrepiece was also featured in the parade line-up too.
2013:
- "The Museum of Curiosities" Big Draw! installation at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust, Carlisle. (Participatory artwork; concept by Pui Lee.) (21-27 October 2013)
- "The Museum of Curiosities" Big Draw! project: Virtual Collections. (online gallery) http://museumofcuriosities.tumblr.com/ (Participatory artwork; concept by Pui Lee.) (October 2013-present)
- "Food for Thought" exhibition by pupils from Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham, at DELIcious Empty Shop, Hexham. Work created by in an art workshop, concept, designed and delivered by Pui Lee. (15 June 2013 - 13 July 2013)
2012:
- Donated photography pieces to support Talented Touretters Art and Photography Exhibition and Sale, Morpeth, Northumberland. (08/12/2012)
- Art is For Everyone: An Exhibition of Artworks by People with Learning Difficulties at McGuinness Gallery, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. (5th - 24th Dec 2012). This exhibition was the result of artworks created in the workshops I had designed and delivered as part of my work with LifewithArt with the group, Dreamcatcher PSP.
- "Connecting Light" Exhibition: featuring art-works created by the following the groups: Cestria House care home, Newcastle; Gateshead Carers, Tyne and Wear; and Newbrough Women's Institute, Hexham. These works were created in my art workshops as part of Cultural Olympiad and Hadrians Wall Heritage funded art project, “Connecting Light” by New York arts collective YesYesNo. (Aug/Sept 2012)
- Permanent installation: Noah's Ark (2012) at High Hesket C of E Primary School, Cumbria. Brief: to brighten up infant play area responding to theme of this popular children's story. Dimensions: variable (approx 7ft x 8ft). Media: acrylic on wood. Collaborated with joiner, Chris Debinson, who assisted with wood cutting, construction and installing on-site.
- Penguins in the Park / Weird & Wonderful Fantasy Field installation at Saltwell Park, Gateshead. (Participatory artwork; concept by Pui Lee)
- B for Butterfly (2012) and One Day (2012) as part of The Custom House’s Creative Careers Event at (28/03/2012) The Hut Youth Initiative Centre, South Shields and (29/03/2012) at YMCA North Tyneside, North Shields. (Participatory artwork; concept by Pui Lee)
- Alien Landscape, Kirkby Gallery, Knowsley. (Participatory artwork; concept and workshops delivered by Pui Lee)
2011:
- Selected for Group Show: Home at Altered Esthetics Gallery, Minneapolis, USA. 1st - 29th September 2011. ...Sold work!
- Selected for group show, Temporary Art Show 3: Part 2, at Westgate Studios, Wakefield, Yorkshire. May 25th 2011, 5-9pm.
- Selected for group show, In Bits, at The Eggspace Gallery, Liverpool.
2010:
- Selected for Films, Films, Films! as part of Huddersfield Arts Festival 2010.
- MA Show 2010, Caldewgate campus, University of Cumbria, Carlisle.
- Haven (2006) selected for Artists Films Show-reel in conjunction with Wolf and Badger Summer Residency Event at Selfridges, Oxford Street, London (August-September 2010)
- The Potion Store, a collaborative artist commissioned workshop outcome, at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Carlisle.
- Way Out West, Art and Craft Fair, Santon Bridge, Cumbria
- Arcade Art Exhibition, Lowther Arcade, Carlisle.
2009:
- The Struggle Within (selected group show), Altered Esthetics Gallery, Minneapolis, USA. ...Sold work!
- MA Fine Art Show 2009, Caldewgate campus, University of Cumbria, Carlisle.
- Waste into Art, group show, at Liverpool Academy of the Arts, Liverpool.
- Photography Month Exhibition (group show) at 50a Gallery, Egremont.
- Arcade Arts Winter Exhibition, Lowther Arcade, Carlisle.
2008:
- Arcade Arts Winter Exhibition, Lowther Arcade, Carlisle. ...Sold work!
- Oceans Apart at Artiquea Art Gallery, London.
- Oceans Apart, at The International Art Gallery, Liverpool. [PAX 08 Planet Art eXchange Programme as part of Liverpool Capital of Culture.]
- On Wednesday’s We Draw Monsters! at University of Cumbria, Carlisle (group show)
- flux: summer show at Pepperton Gallery, London. (selected group show)
- Hearts and Minds, Red Dot Group Exhibition at Liverpool Academy of the Arts, Liverpool
2007:
- BAC!07 –BABYLON at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona – La Santa Proyectos Culturales, Barcelona
- Digital Long Island Media Festival, at IMAC Theater, New York
- Public art intervention #1 by Pui Lee: Hopscotch! on Paternoster Row, Carlisle. A surprise 86m long pavement installation.
- eyeplay (Group Printmaking Exhibition) at Bankside Gallery, London
- FlixFest ’07 (short film festival) at South London Gallery, London.
- River’s Edge Film Festival in Kentucky, USA
- ARTEXPO: Temporary Cities - Video Art screening, at the Maiden Alley Cinema in Kentucky, USA.
- Dog on a Hot Tin Roof (woof!) at Bank Gallery, Carlisle. Group show.
- Digital Art Showcase #1 at Learning Gateway, St. Martin’s College, Carlisle.
- (Scientific) Aesthetics at Altered Esthetics Gallery, Minneapolis, USA.
- 2:43 group show at Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Carlisle.
- After Urban video art exhibition at Gallery of University of Philadelphia, USA.
2006
- Attitude Video Art and Photography Festival at Cultural Center Magaza in Bitola, Republic of Macedonia.
- Private View (selected group exhibition) at Eleventh Hour Gallery, Carlisle.
- Red Wire Open Exhibition (selected group show), at Red Wire Gallery for the Liverpool Biennal Independents.
- FRAME - International Dance and Video Festival at Rivoli Teatro Municipal; ESAP; Escola das Artes; Catholic University in Porto, Portugal
- Pepperton’s 4th Annual Exhibition at Pepperton Gallery, London. ...Sold work!
- Jigsaw Appeal Exhibition in aid of Eden Valley Hospice, Tullie House, Carlisle.
- Brinksmanship, at The RE-Evolution Gallery, Wolstenholme Square; selected for group exhibition for the Liverpool Biennial Independents.
- Trampoline – Platform for New Media Art Public Film Screening, at Hebbel am Uffer, Berlin, Germany.
- “Eh!Lo” Magazine for FRED, Cumbria. Also, The Waiting Room Project exhibition at Eleventh Hour Studios Gallery, Carlisle.
- ARTEXPO: Temporary Cities – Video Art and Architecture exhibition, at the National Centre for Contemporary Arts (NCCA) in Moscow, Russia
- Wild Dog 4 fine art film screening and live art event at The Space, Docklands, London.
- MAX:5 Film Festival 2006 in main gallery at Café Gallery Projects in Southwark, London.
- case:file, a selection of works by North West artists in conjunction with Carlisle Arts Festival, at The Eleventh Hour Studios Gallery, Carlisle.
- The Waiting (2006), video installation at The Griffin, Carlisle. Self-initiated project.
- Several films exhibited for Slack Video Presents : A Selection of Short Films events at The Lamp, Hull
- Little Girl Lost etching exhibition at Circle Café Bar, Carlisle.
2005:
- Fine Art Film Screening for public viewing at Lonsdale Cinema, Carlisle.
- West Walls Studio’s Haven: Big Draw 2005 exhibition, Sands Centre, Carlisle.
- 25 Days Later drawing exhibition at Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Carlisle.
- Self-Portrait, for group exhibition at Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Carlisle.
- Self-Portrait at FoldGallery, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. Installation project using whitewash on window.
- Book/Time exhibition at The Bookcase, Carlisle, Cumbria.
2004:
- West Walls Studio’s Big Draw 2004 exhibition, Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Carlisle.
- The Human Landscape, 6ft x 2ft paper collage, at Queen Elizabeth’s Gallery, Lincolnshire.
Awards:
- 5 consecutive Drawing Inspiration Awards for “The Big Draw!” as part of West Walls Studios
- The Ruby Bowness Memorial Community Prize for Service in the Local Community
- The Spacie Cup for Enterprise
- Millennium Volunteers Award of Excellence for completing 200 hours.
Further Notes:
Pui Lee is also an experienced artist workshop leader. For more info, see her Art Workshops CV
Professional Practice:
- 2006 - 2011 : Member of the award-winning West Walls Studios, Carlisle
- 2006 : 6 wk Residency at Project Space, Eleventh Hour Studios, Carlisle
In possession of:
-an Enhanced DBS Disclosure as artist
-public liability insurance of up to £5million