Born 1977, Lee Shearman studied Fine Art (Visual Studies) at University of Portsmouth, graduating with First Class Honors. Originally making multi-media installations combining video, audio, sculpture and bookworks. He is a multi-disciplinary artist combining experimental artists' books, design, collage and stop frame animation.
In 2001 he co-founded Borbonesa Art Company; a group of artists collaborating to produce multi-authored artworks including book works, occasional papers and animated film. Borbonesa also work in partnership with schools and cultural organisations to devise and deliver creative learning opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Between 2003-2011 he was also co-manager of Permanent Bookshop; an independent bookshop in Brighton for ideas-based publications, artists books and periodicals. The Bookshop was situated in Permanent Gallery through which he co-curated a number of exhibitions including Planet Le Gun, Works for Turntables and Gazwrx. 2012 he founded Micro Library Books; a small press publishing platform for experimental illustrative ideas-based pocket-sized publications. He collaborates with artists and illustrators in creating limited edition book works.
Lee regularly lectures for Universities, galleries and art organisations and facilitates innovative and dynamic creative education opportunities in contemporary bookmaking and stop frame animation. He is currently animation practitioner with Stories in Transit; a social integration project directed by Dame Marina Warner- that works with displaced individuals in Sicily. He works alongside artist/filmmaker Joan Ashworth (former Head of Animation at RCA) and a specialist team of participants to devise and deliver creative learning in animation, drawing, composition, poetry, performance and storytelling for the young refugees. The work is being developed for a public exhibition at Hayward Gallery in 2020. Supported by the International Institute for Environment and Development.
Lee is currently lecturer in Illustration BA (Hons) University of Portsmouth.
Projects
- Micro Library Books / Moving to MarsA series of three handmade miniature books created for the Design Museum's shop to coincide with the Moving to Mars exhibition - an immersive experience exploring the Martian landscape and rethinking the design of daily life. Featuring new illustration by artist Lee Shearman and poetry by Pip Rowson, each of the three books - Arrive & Explore, Survive & Expand and Thrive & Exploit - focuses on a different stage of a potential relocation to the red planet. Each book is giclee printed on 180 g
Projects credited in
- Graduate Show 2020This year we celebrate not only the creative practice of our 2020 graduates but also the commitment, tenacity and professionalism that enabled them to respond with such positivity to the global pandemic and the challenges it brought. The course encourages students to consider the role and responsibility of an illustrator, with reference to authorial practice and social issues; the emphasis on research informs the content and specialism of their visual practice. The work of our graduates empl10
- University of Portsmouth, BA(Hons) IllustrationThis year we celebrate not only the creative practice of our 2020 graduates but also the commitment, tenacity and professionalism that enabled them to respond with such positivity to the global pandemic and the challenges it brought. The course encourages students to consider the role and responsibility of an illustrator, with reference to authorial practice and social issues; the emphasis on research informs the content and specialism of their visual practice. The work of our graduates empl25
- Moving to MarsA series of three visual-led poems created for the Design Museum's shop to coincide with the Moving to Mars exhibition — an immersive experience exploring the Martian landscape and rethinking the design of daily life. A collaboration with artist Lee Shearman, each of the three books — Arrive & Explore, Survive & Expand and Thrive & Exploit — focuses on a different stage of potential relocation to the red planet. Produced as handmade miniature books by Micro Library Books. Giclee print on 180
- ResolutionsCreative writing, artist books and prop-making with arts and wellbeing charity The Craftimation Factory at Hastings Academy School. I worked with artists Janey Moffatt and Lee Shearman to create book works, writing and sculptures with Year 9 students at Hastings Academy School. We explored how art and creativity can help to deal with conflict and difficult feelings. Initially the workshops were designed to focus on conflict resolution at a local and personal level. The project began on the 13
- Book of Secrets: Art Journals for RecoveryCreative writing workshop with The Craftimation Factory for Sussex Recovery College. I designed and facilitated a creative writing workshop with the Craftimation Factory for Sussex Recovery College, a mental health organisation which empowers people to take control of their own recovery and wellbeing through learning. I supported the group to think creatively through a variety of writing interventions focusing on the senses. Through this, participants wrote journal entries and poems in handm
- Creative Change: making connections through creativity and conversationWith The Craftimation Factory and House of Cultural Curiosity CIC, supported by the Big Lottery Fund. Together with artists Lee Shearman, Janey Moffat and Sophie Shaw, I co-facilitated a series of creative workshops at Seaview services for complex lives, based in St Leonards-on-Sea, U.K. We were funded by the Big Lottery to run a pilot project exploring how active listening and a coaching approach can be combined with creative making to postively impact people's wellbeing. Participants collag
Skills
- Illustration
- Digital Illustration
- Graphic Design
- 2D Animation
- Art Fairs
- Facilitating Workshops
- Book Arts
- Education
Education
BA(Hons) Fine ArtUniversity of Portsmouth
- Portsmouth, United Kingdom
First Class Honours