Finding career success isn’t a guaranteed right in life. Many find their humble way and make ends meet. Many others, unfortunately, aren’t able to reach goals, find fame, or achieve their own definition of success. It’s even more rare to find career success more than once, or in this case, three different careers. However, this is not rare for someone like Jason Lee, a skateboarder, actor, and photographer. The name might not immediately ring a bell for some. Let me enlighten you and put that name to a face. Jason Lee has starred in many recognizable works that include: Earl in My Name Is Earl, Dave in Alvin And The Chipmunks, Jeff in Almost Famous, and the voice of Syndrome in The Incredibles. Being an accomplished individual would be an understatement. There’s no doubt he’s had great success in acting, which is where most know him from. But, he’s left indelible and equally important marks in other industries as well.
Skateboarding and Acting
A native of Southern California living in Texas, Lee is an influential piece of skateboarding history. Turning pro in the 80’s and skating into the 90’s, he would assert himself as a forefather and instrumental piece to early street skating. Lee was a featured skater in the 1991 skate video, Video Days, a film by the company Blind Skateboards. Video Days is regarded as one of the most influential skate videos of the 90’s, if not all time. Although he’s been retired from professional skateboarding for while, he certainly cemented himself as a pivotal piece of skateboarding history. I’m grateful for all that he’s done for skateboarding and his influence will undoubtedly remain. After retiring from skateboarding in 1995, Lee’s next career path was acting. Some of the most notable works he’s featured in includes Alvin And The Chipmunks, The Incredibles, Almost Famous, and My Name Is Earl. During this period of his life, something else started to catch his eye, the cameras. While on set, it is said that Lee would constantly talk to the camera operators and photographers. Asking them questions about the gear, lighting, and production aspect, he quickly found an affinity for photography. We have so much to thank for this curiosity.
Photography
Jason Lee isn’t just a good photographer, he’s a phenomenal photographer. Shooting on film, he captures raw and immersive images. He’s known for landscapes and street shots while on road trips with tasteful compositions and lighting. I’ve never been one to shoot landscapes often, but Lee’s works have created an itch to go out and find a dilapidated barn or broken down car in a desert to capture. This skill provides for an intriguing portfolio. Some exceptional works of his include the following photo books: Galveston, OK, and A PLAIN VIEW.
He has an artistically keen eye for framing wonderful compositions of subjects that might seem uninteresting to most. While most people might not think twice about an old car parked in a drive way or gas station sign lit up on the side of the road, Lee finds intrigue and beauty. His shots of seemingly normal subject matter evokes interest. It provides raw insight to the the uninteresting. His shots make us stop and stare. Why though? Why would a photograph of an old auto shop or run down motel catch our eye. Well, that’s the power of Lee’s photos. They seemingly grab your attention to notice the “simple” or “mundane” aspects of our everyday experiences, and tell a story. What’s the story, you might ask? That’s for you to interpret.
Some of my favorite shots of his come from the series/books I mentioned before: Galveston, OK, and A PLAIN VIEW. All of these are collections of photographs taken by Lee on cross-country road trips. When having no distractions such as the TV in your home, your favorite neighborhood restaurants/shops, and any other personal distractions, it’s amazing what the eye can see. Lee demonstrates this with great emphasis through his photographs. Just a man on the open road with a camera and some film. Nothing else to steal your attention except the shots and compositions that await.
I really just can’t stress enough how much I love his photography. It creates a spark that makes me want to pick up a camera, load a roll of film, and find that perfect composition for a Lee style photograph. Lee has worn many hats in different industries and found success in all of them. He’s influenced many and provided creative works to last. He’s certainly, someone you should know.