Lee Harrelson

Medium: Other

Location: Inside the Cochran Building

I’m an artist and maker based in Birmingham, Alabama, driven by an endless fascination with materials, textures, and stories. My creative journey began with photography at 15, sparked by my older brother’s 35mm camera and home darkroom. That passion shaped a 35-year career as a commercial photographer— spanning fashion, food, and film production—until I closed my studio in 2020 to fully embrace my art on my terms. In the early ’90s, photography started feeling more like a job and
less like art. That’s when I stumbled upon a canvas in the back of my studio and began smudging oil paint as therapy. That playful moment opened the door to years of experimentation: from acrylics to alternative applications, and even framing paintings with copper pipe.

The real shift came later in 2020, when I rediscovered the magic of metal. A weathered copper sheet reminded me how patinas can create mesmerizing colors, and I couldn’t resist diving in. Heat, flame, smoke, and chemical reactions became my new tools, transforming copper and steel into vibrant, unrepeatable works of art. No paint, no shortcuts—just the raw alchemy of metal meeting fire. Over time, I taught myself MIG, TIG, and oxygen-acetylene welding (thanks, YouTube and night classes!) and began combining steel and other metals with copper to create immersive pieces that capture mood and atmosphere. My process is experimental, tactile, and rooted in discovery. It’s about more than the finished piece—it’s about the hours of focus, the tools in my hands, and the endless “what ifs” that push me forward.

I’m inspired by the forgotten and the weathered: objects with stories etched in their surfaces, abandoned yet still holding
echoes of another life. My work breathes new energy into these materials, transforming them into modern narratives for today’s spaces.

Filling my home with these creations has been a joy, but the walls are now full. Sharing my work has become a way to connect with others and sustain this adventure. Each piece is a celebration of discovery and a tribute to the tools, techniques, and moments of reflection that make creating art so fulfilling. Thank you for exploring my work. I hope it sparks curiosity, inspiration, or simply a moment to pause and wonder.