Lee Hood is a local artist known for his plein air work, live painting, and murals. Hood is an avid painter whose work has been featured in a variety of exhibitions, including Bank of the Arts. Lee Hood has also been co-curator of the annual Juneteenth exhibition at Bank of the Arts since its inception in 2019. Lee will also be the lecturer for the next Little Talks lecture at Bank of the Arts on June 24th.
Where are you from originally? What brought you to New Bern?
I’m originally from Bayboro, NC. The military, after I retired from the military I wanted to come back to this area, but Pamlico County was too far down to do art and New Bern was the best choice.
What sort of arts training have you had, or are you self-taught?
It’s a combination, I took arts courses in high school of course, I’ve taken college courses under Dr. Alexander, and also I had a lot of trial and error. I had a lot of mentors when I moved back down here that actually had a major role in actually moving forward with my craft.
Is there a central theme to your work, or many themes?
Actually I try not to get too caught up in any particular genre of artwork. I try to keep my options open in order to be able to do any type of art. I don’t look at any one subject, I say the world is the subject. I’d like to be able to know how to draw any and everything. So I’ve worked in a lot of genres.
I know you’ve been doing a lot of mural painting recently. How is mural painting different from gallery works?
The mural painting for me is more of a connection to the community. Because when I do a mural painting, I get as much gratification from the process as the work being done, and it’s a way you can always have your work on display for the community. The process is a little different, based on the approach to the canvas, and needs to be done in such a way that it can be seen from twenty plus feet away and be readable.
You do a lot of mentoring of other artists, where did that start?
Mentoring is important to me because I when I was growing up I wish I had had one. Because I know how difficult it can be trying to become an artist without any assistance. One of my goals when I got out of the military was to be helpful to the artists I see that have potential and also introduce those that are not artists to art. I’ve probably mentored ten or fifteen artists.
Is there an artist in your field or any other whose work you admire and inspires you?
I’m inspired by a lot of art, but I’m more inspired by the artists themselves, and their work ethics. Ed Macomber made a big impact on me as an artist when I got out of the military. Along with Doug Alvord, because he specialized in more marine and seascape type painting, he impacted me by making me conscious of things I’m doing in my work. And the list goes on and on, but not a particular artist, but a core of artists that are here in New Bern that are willing to assist you in areas you have difficulty in.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
I could say that art is my life, yeah. You know that’s very big, but that’s the only thing I ever really wanted to do.
Is there a specific piece, award of exhibition you are particularly proud of, and why?
The one that really impacts me is the Juneteenth Exhibition at Bank of the Arts. Because as a person it means a whole lot to me, and it gives people a platform to show their works.
Do you have any advice for artists just starting out or people who want to become artists?
Work hard, find a mentor, would be my suggestion.
I know you’re in the Director’s Gallery for June, but where else can people find your work?
Right now I’ve pulled away from displaying but my door is always open (321 Middle St). Anyone that wants can come to my studio, just announce yourself ahead of time. The public is always welcome.
By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
317 Middle Street | New Bern, NC | www.cravenarts.org | 252.638.2577