Stewart Lees

In Brass Bowls, Stewart Lees explores the interplay between light, surface and intricate ornamentation. The engraved bowls are rendered with remarkable observation, their carved patterns emerging gradually from shadow and reflection. Lees captures not only the warm glow of the brass, but also the subtle irregularities and worn textures that reveal the objects’ age and history. The overlapping arrangement creates a complexity within the composition, drawing attention to the details etched into the metal. Rather than presenting the bowls as static objects, Lees allows them to feel handled, lived with, and deeply observed. Grounded in realism yet driven by perception rather than strict photographic precision, Lees’ work invites sustained looking. Through patience and careful refinement, he transforms familiar domestic objects into studies of texture and craftsmanship, revealing beauty in the overlooked details of everyday life.