Lee Munn’s long passage into art
Cured of severe epilepsy, an up-and-coming Hamilton artist reveals a natural talent
Lee Munn never intended to pursue a career as an artist.
The born-and-raised Hamiltonian studied painting at the Dundas Valley School of Art, but never chased his passion much beyond high school.
It was a stint in the hospital before having brain surgery that brought art back into his life.
A severe epileptic, Munn underwent surgery to try to relieve the seizures that had plagued him for decades. It was the months he spent in hospital preparing for surgery that allowed him to turn his attention back to his canvas.
Today, almost exactly 10 years after his brain surgery, Munn’s art is gaining attention across Ontario. His first solo show in Toronto is opening Sept. 22 at the Stockyards Gallery, and Munn’s work is currently on display at galleries across Ontario.
His Toronto exhibit — called “Bihaminto” — features his trademark photorealistic landscapes, as well as pieces by Hamilton artist Clarence A. Porter. Though the name sounds like it could be a Japanese term, it’s actually a playful amalgam of two Hamilton artists (“bi” and “ham”) in Toronto (“to”).
Munn’s art has drawn comparisons to celebrated Hamilton artist E. Robert Ross, who Munn cites as a major inspiration. His paintings capture the vivid details of natural life, whether it’s the reflections of a forest in autumn or eagles’ feathers.
Munn works mostly with acrylics, citing their ease over oils (which don’t dry quickly and are difficult to clean).
“If you’re a messy person like I am, it’s hard, because it’s sloppy,” said Munn. “Acrylic is more convenient.”
Munn credits the trajectory of his artistic career to his wife, Erika. After deciding not to pursue art as a career due to his concerns about making a good living, he spent 20 years designing newspaper advertising. (Munn currently works as a paginator at The Spectator).
But throughout this time, Munn’s epilepsy was getting worse. He had started having seizures as a teen — his nickname in high school was “Space Munn” — but it had gotten to the point where he was no longer able to drive and was concerned about how his seizures were
Munn’s art has drawn comparisons to celebrated Hamilton artist E. Robert Ross.
affecting his life.
He decided to have brain surgery — a risky procedure that could help tame his epilepsy, but also had a 10 to 15 per cent chance of causing death or permanent brain damage.
For two months leading up to the surgery, he was in hospital undergoing rigorous testing that allowed doctors to map out the areas of his brain that were causing his seizures. Erika, who had seen his work, encouraged him to fill the long days at the hospital with painting — and once he had recovered from surgery, encouraged him to continue it.
“It was really Erika that was the backbone behind me. She was very willing to wait for opportunities, and not just be my heart and soul, but most of the time, be my brain,” he said with a laugh.
Munn hasn’t had a seizure since his surgery.
“I still get headaches, but it doesn’t take me out like it used to,” he said.