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Interview with Joseph
LEEJoseph 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’.