& Co.
Interview with
Joseph
Lee
Joseph
Lee
Joseph Lee, known for his Emmy-nominated role in Netflix’s BEEF, is also a rising star in the art world. As a self-taught painter, Joseph’s vibrant and emotionally charged work has been exhibited internationally.
What’s your Eastern Zodiac Sign? And your Western? Which one resonates more with you?
I’m a Rabbit and a Capricorn.I’ve heard all different kinds of traits for a rabbit so I’m a bit unsure.But one consistent trait for a Capricorn seems to be their work ethic so I’d go with that.
Can you share about your ethnic and generational background?
I’m a child of Korean immigrants.
Superstition from your childhood that you still believe in today.
Having to drop everything in order to help my mom otherwise believing that I’m a terrible son.
What pivotal experiences guided you toward your current path? Was there a specific moment or individual that influenced you?
I’m the exact same person as I was when I was 6 years old.I spent all my time drawing in front of a television.Sketching while listening to movies playing in the background.At a certain age, parents are supposed to tell their kids to drop their pencils and start thinking about a real job.My mom never did. So I’m still that same kid who now just happens to play with more expensive pencils.
What dish from your childhood, lovingly prepared at home, holds a special place in your heart?
My mom’s French toast.
It’s often said that our parents’ express emotions through food. What’s your go-to meal when you want to convey your feelings?
A good smash-burger conveys a mix of joy, satisfaction, & self-hate.
As you came of legal drinking age, what was your inaugural drink? And what’s your beverage of choice now?
A shot of whiskey then, a glass of gin & tonic now.
Who serves as your guiding light? Why?
My wife. She’s smarter than me and has great taste.She’s my business partner in this crazy business called life.I think more like a day-to-day operations guy while she oversees long-term strategies.Without her,
I wouldn’t last 2 weeks.
Who are your ultimate dream collaborators?
Director Park Chan Wook
Which restaurant holds the title of your favorite at the moment?
Baroo
Could you tell us about your new project? What did you learn about yourself through the process?
I’m tip-toeing this line between letting go while forcing my way at the same time.It’s a tension of ego residing between rage & restraint.It’s a true love-hate relationship I have with my work at the moment. What manifests on canvas is similar to what Francis Bacon would consider as a ‘deep injury to the image’.