Inspired by the artists and landscapes of the Southwest, Jivan Lee is an oil painter who explores the nature of paint as a raw material and catalyst for emotional response in his work. Now based in Taos, Lee grew up in Woodstock, New York, and studied both environmental policy and painting. As result of his earlier studies, in his artistic practice Lee addresses frequently the complexities of how humans see and shape the environment. Emphasizing the importance of direct observation, Lee creates most of his work outside, on location. Lee is known for the manner in which he puts paint on canvas: he applies thick strokes with silicone spatulas, large brushes, dirt, paper towels, and his bare hands. Up close, the resulting canvases might appear to celebrate “paint for paint’s sake,” though from a distance, the paintings reveal themselves to be studies of landscapes, architecture, light, and figures. When asked about his paint application, Lee notes that, “Paint interests me first on a visceral level . . . it also becomes a remarkable tool for helping us find this world anew . . . for being a vessel for learning and feeling.”

Jivan Lee writes that the painting is “part of my ongoing series from the location [Blueberry Hill in Taos]. This particular day was special because of the two distinct clouds flows; one rising just above the mountains almost like little mounds of popcorn or cotton candy, and the other, larger flow sweeping in from the West.”

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