1948 –
Terry Lee spent his youth living on a working Ranch just north of Coeur d’ Alene Idaho. He later opened a sporting goods store Lee’s Outdoor Outfitter with his brother. Lee was an underwater scuba instructor (N.A.U.I. and P.A.D.I.), and taught diving for 18 years. After selling his portion of ownership to his brother, Lee’s sense of adventure lead him to Southern California, where he taught diving and explored the possibility of pursuing Art as a full time career. In 1994, Lee would leave California to return to his home state of Idaho. He now resides again in Coeur d’ Alene, dividing his time between Canvas and Clay.
Lee has been described as a Fauvist, French for “the wild beat”. This is a style of painting with vivid expressionistic and non-naturalistic use of color that flourished in Paris in the early 1900’s. Lee’s trademark giant canvases and bold color encapsulate his unique style as a contemporary and impressionistic artist. His form of realism is easily recognized and appreciated by his collectors.
Lee’s introduction to sculpting came through the forged friendship of a master sculptor George Carlson. For over ten years the two sculpted weekly together with live models. Today, Terry is ranked among a select few of the worlds most appreciated sculptors. Lee was hired in 2008 to replicate a character Moose and Mouse from the Children’s book “Mudgy and Millie”. Children and families read the book and follow a two and quarter mile trail from statue to statue through the town as the two play hide and seek. This tour around town has become a “must do” for locals as well as tourist visiting the area.
The City of Coeur d’ Alene commission Lee to do a monument trail featuring life size figures of the history of City. “The Working Man” and “The Idaho Farmer”. Lee is currently finishing a Lumberjack which will be followed by a Miner and WWII Navy Nurse.
Even with Lee’s fiercely busy schedule, he can often be found fishing in Alaska or chasing moose through a marsh just outside of Jackson Hole, WY.