Photo credit: Dennis Stierer 2020
Lee is a native of Buffalo, NY, earning his BFA in Design from SUNY at Buffalo, with concentrations in typography and photography. After graduating in 1983, he began a career in the printing industry working as a pressman.
A desire for expression led towards his picking up the camera again, starting Pugbully Studio in 2015. He quickly gained a following in his hometown of Lockport, NY, with images from the famous Flight of Five locks as it undergoes a historic restoration. Lee found a shared interest with clients in subjects such as aviation, architecture and nature.
Lee’s clients include Bank on Buffalo and Catholic Health Fund. He is currently a member at several area galleries such as Lockport’s Kenan Gallery and Carnegie Art Center in North Tonawanda. As an exhibiting member of the Buffalo Society of Artists, his work has shown in esteemed spaces including the Castellani Art Museum. His solo show ‘Lit Buffalo’ at Flight Gallery in Larkenville was a success last fall. Large prints of the canal hang in the courtroom in the City of Lockport.
Artist Statement
“An artist can work in any light with any tools. They don’t need a specific camera with a specific lens in a specific light. Making an image involves creating a mood where it did not exist before. It is the job of the photographer to transform the viewer into the world of his or her choosing. To do that, one has to possess a variety of skills. The latest tech tool or gadget can’t orient a subject. You need skill and knowledge to do that. I’ll be chasing this for the rest of my days.”
“I am fortunate to have shown my work in several area galleries, although I take great pleasure in meeting and talking to people that are interested in my art. This connection is a special one. Some patrons have been so kind as to send along a photo of my print hanging in their home. This has been an unexpected and inspiring part of my process that helps drive me to create through these challenging times.”
Work exhibited in:
The Comma-East Aurora Carnegie Art Center-N.Tonawanda
Kenan Gallery-Lockport ~ WNY Artist Gallery-Buffalo ~ FlightGalleryBflo
Castellani Art Museum w/BSA-Niagara Falls
“ I am captivated by the beauty of our landscapes and the history that we have inherited. Being able to find interesting details in a larger composition stirs up a passion toward creating a final piece to print and share.”
“Thank you for your interest.
Please feel free to leave a comment and/or contact me regarding prints or commissions."
Lee Williams; Locking Westward from Kenan Center on Vimeo.
08 - Lockport's Flight of Five from Low Bridge Productions on Vimeo.
Lee Williams 2022