Intricate and precise twined copper wire inter spaced with hammered ends. Flowing pine-needles merged with clay vessels. Hand-dyed reeds woven into striking shapes. Wire mesh built into unique sculptures. Each vessel conveys a sense of peace, beauty, innovation, and order.

 

Lee Sipe’s journey as an artist began in her childhood. Born in the Republic of Korea in the city of Masan, Lee showed an aptitude for art from an early age.  Sipe recalls, "When I was a child, I began to create dresses from cut paper. It was my dream to design and to create.”

 

Lee’s art dreams were put on hold as she moved to the United States, and became a full time mother raising four children. When her youngest child was old enough for Lee to have some freedom, she saw an opportunity for a pine needle weaving course. She decided it was time to do something for herself, signed up for the course, and her passion to create was rekindled. Her pine needle baskets won instant acclaim.

 

Lee went on to study pottery. She soon began to merge her pine needle weaving with her pottery. The two art forms merged beautifully, and these pieces began to win first place awards in juried exhibitions. Lee began to create unique pieces by twining copper wire, and her vessels were purchased by the SC State Museum and the Huntsville Museum of Art in Huntsville, AL, for their permanent collections.

 

Lee’s Asian heritage clearly influences her work. Asian culture values family, order, precision, and hard work. Her adopted country values innovation and creativity. Lee’s complex and intricate vessels incorporate all of these values.

 

"The thrill of creating unique pieces energizes me. Each new piece gives me ideas for additional new creations.”