The Cupertino Courier

Photograph by Robert Scheer

In his work 'Our Improving Cupertino,' artist Frank Lee incorporated symbols he associates with the city, including high rises and freeway signs.

Local artist's donation decorates City Hall

Frank Lee's painting captures the spirit of the city, mayor says

By Justin Berton

Each day that Mayor Michael Chang walks into his office, the spirit of Cupertino hangs from the wall--3 feet across and 4 feet long.

It comes in the form of "Our Improving Cupertino," a painting donated to the city by resident and artist Frank Lee. "It's an uplifting type of painting that embodies the community spirit of Cupertino," Chang said of the work.

Lee said the inspiration for the piece, which has been hanging in City Hall for two weeks, came from watching the city grow in the past eight years.

The painting is filled with symbols of the city: the technology building at De Anza College, City Hall, and Interstate 280 and Highway 85 signs.

Painting the symbols, Lee said in a written statement, allowed him "to embellish the important qualities that this city has brought" to him.

An American flag waves behind the symbols, which also include a collection of multicolored footprints. The footprints represent various nationalities in the Bay Area who are allowed "the freedom to express themselves," the statement said.

The painting--which Lee estimates is worth $6,000--received the annual Yosh Decker Historical Award from the Fine Arts League of Cupertino.

Lee began work as an artist more than 40 years ago while attending college in Taipei, Taiwan. First he worked as an interior designer and then as an industrial designer.

"It has always been easier for me to express thoughts through drawing," he said through his daughter, Susan, who translated for him.

After school he left Taiwan to "explore different countries and different worlds." He landed in Argentina, where he lived for 10 years.

When he came to the United States eight years ago, he settled in Cupertino with his wife, Lisa, and children Susan and Louis.

"My dad's work is pretty original," Susan said, adding that her friends have noticed her father's flair for uniqueness.

"They say he's no ordinary artist," she said.

Currently, Lee is working on abstract pieces that center on the theme of family, Susan explained.

Lee also teaches fine art and says he enjoys sharing his skills with any student willing to learn. Such generosity is what led him to donate the painting to the city, he said.

"I wanted to share my gratitude about this splendid city to all the individuals who have the same opportunities to live here," Lee wrote in a statement about the painting.

For now, the mayor enjoys the painting where it hangs.

In the future, he hopes to put it in the library, where more people will see it, he said.

"For someone to care about Cupertino that much is heartwarming," Chang said.

[ Back to Contents Page | Cupertino Courier Home Page | Archives ]