Meet Evelyn Lee

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Evelyn Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Evelyn below.

Evelyn, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Sometimes, I like to just go out without any specific plan. Just walking around or sitting on a bus, watching people go about their lives. It’s a way for me to feel connected to the world, but also to step back and see how small I am in the bigger picture. In those moments, I find myself imagining how the universe works, thinking about how everything is interconnected, as if the past and future are somehow right there in front of me. I try to surrender—not by giving in, but by fully opening my senses, observing, and being real with myself about what I’m feeling. It’s tricky, though; it’s not always easy. There’s a tendency to avoid certain emotions or to anticipate and interfere how I respond. Also, plenty of rest is a big part of it too. Sleep and breaks help reset things.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Evelyn Lee, born in Taiwan and now based in New York City. My creative journey started with painting but eventually grew into photography and filmmaking—mediums that let me explore the world and express myself in different ways.

Storytelling has always been a significant part of my life. My father introduced me to classical music and photography, while my mother nurtured my passion for reading and painting. I spent much of my childhood immersed in these activities, which deepened my love for art. A pivotal moment in my artistic development came when my middle school teacher screened Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Blue in class, sparking my fascination with film. Another defining experience was in 2020 during the centenary celebration of Federico Fellini, when I watched 8½ in the cinema.

My work isn’t tied to one medium and doesn’t confine me to a single form of expression. Each one brings out something different in me. My paintings lean toward the surreal and abstract, while my photography captures moments as they happen, reflecting the authenticity of the scene. Filmmaking allows me to blend sound, visuals, and mood to create something immersive. It’s unpredictable, and each part of the process opens up new possibilities—like an ongoing conversation with the world around me.

Since finishing my MFA in 2024, I’ve been diving into freelance work in New York. After wrapping up a short film earlier this year, I’ve been experimenting with video projects of varying lengths. I’m excited about the collaborations and opportunities ahead—projects that push me creatively while staying true to my values of authenticity.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I don’t really see myself as a super technical artist. There was a time when I was focused on techniques—whenever I saw a piece, my first thoughts were always, “How did they do that? What materials did they use?” But honestly, that approach just made me feel stuck. Over time, I realized it’s not just about the tools or methods, but more about the feeling a piece gives me. Techniques are great to know, but they don’t always lead to what really resonates with you.

A lot of times, we get caught up in trends or what’s popular and end up thinking we like a certain style just because everyone else does. I think it’s more important to sit with a piece, feel what it’s saying to you, and figure out what kind of art truly connects with you. Sure, it’s great to explore different styles, but at the end of the day, it’s about finding your own voice. Once you find something that clicks with you on a real level, the process of learning and creating becomes way more natural.

For me, art has always been an inner conversation. It takes time and self-awareness, but as you grow, that dialogue with yourself becomes clearer and starts guiding your creative decisions in a much stronger way.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m definitely looking for collaborators, ideally as long-term shooting partners. I’m not seeking someone who loves the spotlight or knows how to pose; instead, I want individuals who have their own passions and pursuits, possess a unique perspective on aesthetics, and share my artistic vision. It’s important that you’re someone with a proactive mindset, ready to create and explore together.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out via my website or connect with me on social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lamome10.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamome10