Are you interested in public art? Well, this episode, lucky number 13, with Nathan Lee of Contexture Design, is for you. Part career trajectory, part discussion, part portfolio, our conversation touches on many aspects of making art in the public domain.
Check out all his projects at www.contexture.ca
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We cover great information in this interview. Nathan’s art practice uses research, history, environmental and cultural significances combined with simple, elegant design.
Nathan discusses his nonlinear road to becoming a designer/artist working in the public realm. He discusses his education in landscape architecture, forming the company Contexture with Trevor Coghill, and how their work went from industrial to conceptual design and then on to public art. We look at how artists can spark discussion about controversial subject matter and why this is important. We look at a few of Nathan’s projects from the past and two current artworks, getting installed right now in 2021. As Nathan says, public art is its own animal, and that is why this interview is so essential to anyone interested in getting into public art or what goes on behind the scenes. His Art Assignment is vital for anyone wanting to get started in this area of artmaking. I hope you enjoy this interview.
Nathan Lee Art Assignment
Find a place by either choosing one that you already know well or by throwing a dart at a map. Then research that place and find out as much as you can about it. Think about the sites environment, community, business, transportation, indigenous plants and people.
When you have discovered information about this place that you didn’t know and sparks your interest, dig deeper into that specific area of research. Remember, the artwork is more interesting if the theme covers multiple areas of your research. Ask yourself, how does the personal reflect the public spaces of the site?
Create an artwork that represents the information you discovered. Whether you choose painting, drawing, or sculpture, you will similarly approach the artwork. What objects can be used as a metaphor or represent the subject you want to tackle? Think about how Nathan used the Chu pieces to bring the narrative of the Chinese community to the site of the Burnaby art gallery. Might you use the story of one person to signify the narrative of a larger community?
Create your artwork – think carefully about the materials as they might relate to the area.