genetic building block series-grey segment, 10.75"h x 11"w x 10.5"d, 2012
Jiyong Lee’s segmentation series is inspired by his fascination with cell division and the journey of growth that starts from a single cell and goes through a million divisions to become a life. He works with glass that has transparency and translucency, two qualities that serve as perfect metaphors for what is known and unknown about life science. The segmented, geometrical forms of his work represent cells, ova, and seed—each symbolizing the building blocks of life as well as the starting point of life. The uniquely refined translucent glass surfaces suggest the mysterious qualities of cells and, on a larger scale, the cloudiness of our futures. Lee’s segmentation series is quiet, yet powerful. He transforms solid glass using cutting, lamination, carving, and surface refining processes to make art that is both beautiful and deeply invested with meaning.
genetic building block series-yellow & green X, 11"h x 11"w x 11"d, 2012
Jiyong Lee is a studio artist and educator who lives and works in Carbondale, Illinois. An associate professor of art at Southern Illinois University, Lee has headed the glass program there since 2005. Lee was born and raised in South Korea. He earned his MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York and taught there for several years. As a visiting artist, he also has taught at the Pilchuck Glass School, the Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, the Domaine de Boisbuchet in France, Canberra Glassworks in Australia, Fire Station Artists’ Studios in Dublin, Ireland, and various other art institutes and universities nationally and internationally. 
genetic building block series- yellow & green segment, 10.5"h x 10.5"w x 7.5"d, 2012
Lee has served as a member of the board of directors for the Glass Art Society since 2009. He has won a number of honors, including the Emerging Artist Award from the Glass Art Society, the Saxe Award from the Pilchuck Glass School, and several scholarships from the Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass. His work was featured in New Glass Review 24 and 32 and has been exhibited and collected nationally and internationally. Recent highlights include an acquisition by the Corning Museum and a solo exhibit at the Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis.
Jiyong Lee
