Solbi Lee Artist's Statement
The broad theme of this portfolio is music. The initial idea was to investigate a musical instrument in different perspectives and various compositions. I incorporated a self-portrait in most pieces. I first experimented with different media, compositions, and techniques, generally in a realistic and representational way. The idea developed into a more abstract portrayal of my passion for music. I wanted to express the sound through visual images. The figures or the accumulation of figures illustrate movement and sound.
I want viewers to hear the music through their eyes. Art and music have a close relationship. The ultimate goal of this musical theme is to find connections between music and art, and to create images that carry sound and directly deliver the tone and feeling of music. To me music is like a cluster of different images: it brings so many images into a person's mind. An instrument is like a person: it sings the music with its beautiful voice and adjusts the tune with its ear. I wanted to capture the feelings and emotions that come through my cello through visual images.
Since I was very young, art and music have always been a big part of my life. Playing with crayons and ceramics with my sister when I was three, I encountered art. As usual for young child, my dream for a future career has changed many times, but it was always art-related. I wanted to be a cartoon illustrator for a long period time, then I wanted to become a designer, and later I wanted to become a sculptor. Coming over to America and attending Hotchkiss, I had more freedom to draw what I wanted, I was able to draw and paint something that shows who I am. I have worked to find my own personality in my drawings and paintings, and I have found an eternal possibility in art. The world of art includes so many elements within it. The small parts of my experiences in early years have been a foundation for my continued interest and thoughts about making things. I was admitted early admission to Cornell University, College of Art, Architecture, and Planning, and I am extremely happy to continue my art and design career in college. I want to find my sense of self in the design world as I have in this body of work.