Jason Lee, born in Santa Ana, California in 1970, is a multifaceted artist who has made a name for himself in various fields, including film photography, acting, producing, and directing.
As a professional skateboarder in the late 80s and early 90s, Lee was part of the pivotal era of the sport. He eventually transitioned to acting in 1993, working with renowned directors such as Kevin Smith, Cameron Crowe, Lawrence Kasdan, and Brad Bird.
In 1995, Lee retired from professional skateboarding, but he has maintained a strong connection to the industry through his partnership with longtime friend and fellow ex-professional skateboarder Chris Pastras. Together, they co-manage Stereo Skateboards, a 25-year-old skate brand that they founded.
Lee's passion for film photography began in 2002, and he has since become an active photographer and advocate for the medium. His work has been published and exhibited throughout the years, and he has released several publications, including a limited edition hardbound issue of Refueled Magazine in 2016.
In 2017, Lee will publish a book of large format color film photographs taken throughout Texas. He is also the subject of a 2018 documentary by director Greg Hunt, which follows him as he exposes his remaining boxes of now-expired 8x10 Polaroid film. An accompanying book of the large format Polaroids will be published, and the originals will be exhibited.
In addition to his work in film photography, Lee has produced and directed music videos for Beck and the band Midlake, a short documentary and live concert film featuring Midlake, two Stereo Skateboards films, and a previously unreleased 2006 short film starring Giovanni Ribisi and Beth Riesgraf, which will have its online debut in 2017.
Lee's work has been recognized by several prominent museums, including the SFMOMA, Amon Carter, and Philbrook museums, which have acquired his photographs for their collections.
