Dax Lee : SPIKY Artist

Our Artist Story

I think the artist story is an endless, growing journey of finding pieces to be inspired by, creating work that you are proud of no matter what the outcome of it is, and sharing with the world to inspire others.

I find the art I have created that has helped me connect with others has been the ones that I didn’t think anything of when creating the work.

One example I have of my art impacting another photographer I know is I created a calendar one year for myself but also to use as gifts to my friends at my retail job and family. I didn’t think it was that crazy-looking a project, but a customer came in and looked over my calendar and fell in love with photography.

This photographer and I have stayed in touch just nerding out about camera gear and shoots, but they have now made a career in this industry, and he and I have had many reminiscing conversations about that day, and I have never felt the same type of satisfaction before hearing him say that.  

Hearing him give his flowers made me think of some of the other photographers and artists that helped shape my voice to this day, Minor White, Ansel Adams, Ezra Stoller, and one of my former photography professors Syl Arena.

I have always seen the world in simple terms as a photographer, but I always say to see the world in frames.

Landscape, nature, and architecture have always come the most naturally to me ever since I was a kid when I won my first photography contest in first grade with a picture of a flower.

I think that’s why I’ve always been drawn to Ansel Adams or Ezra Stoller, but the one photographer that really made a difference for me was Syl Arena. He was one of those professors who truly were obsessed with this craft and wanted to cover everything that went into being a good photographer.

Understanding what each setting means, how to compose an image, knowing color theory, and knowing how to use color relationships to help tell your story.

Arena also helped me get to the position I am in today of writing and creating this body of work for SPIKY. He connected me with a mentorship program called The Bridge, where I met so many talented photographers new to the industry and who have been around for decades.

This program is really where I learned how to find my voice and what it takes to be a working photographer and creative in this industry. This is why I say I would not be here without school; although, yes, not every career needs a college degree, some are more important to just have the experience of school and using the resources that are offered.