With "fish" as his high school nickname, Lee's childhood involvement with the ocean proved to be a continuing interest as he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Master's in Entomology from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.
Lee developed his own business in New Zealand making custom designed furniture and commissioned pieces in wood and metal, specializing in bathroom vanities, art pieces, and tables & chairs. He also began to delve into art and sculpture, exibiting his unique work in galleries around Christchurch.
During five years living and working in Southampton, Long Island, New York, Lee continued to hone his cabinet skills working on the stately mansions located in The Hamptons. After three years of intensive training and work for a joinery company in Watermill, Long Island, Lee started his own business producing custom made furniture, cabinets and sculpture. He also began exibiting his work in local East End galleries, in addition to doing commissions for clients.
Lee loves helping to bring a client's idea to fruition by creating custom made pieces of furniture, vanities, or built-in cabinets, always ensuring that everything he makes is not only beautiful and built to last, but absolutely functional and always a fantastic addition to any house and home.
Lee's sculpture pieces are semi-realistic renditions in wood and steel, while his cabinets and furniture pieces exibit flowing curves and a simple form. In September 2006, Lee and his family moved back to New Zealand from the USA and settled in Wellington, where Lee continues making his cabinets and sculpture. Some of his work can be seen at Ora Gallery on Allen Street, Wellington (off Courtenay Place).
Many more examples can also be seen on Lee's facebook page: www.facebook.com/leegutterson.