Alive. Alive. Oh!
During the winter months, and especially after storms, I collect wood from the shores of North Haven Island, Maine. My intention is to give form to the spirits, sprites, and small fierce gods that inhabit the island and its surrounding waters. Some are playful and mischievous. Some contain a sort of neutral power, neither good nor evil, just the power of their Being. A few are unaware of our presence and maintain a gentle indifference to the human world.  Some are resolutely joyous, while many continue to be more than a little pissed off at the way we are harming the earth and threatening their existence. At times, one or another has appropriated to himself a tiny shard of a discarded human life.
Certainly, our woods, water, land and air are all connected and alive with individual, unique, spirits. We live in a world filled with almost invisible energy and, tender, mysterious song. I have discovered or stumbled upon more and more of this hidden reality until my house has become quite crowded and sometimes downright overwhelmed with the elusive, ephemeral music and color of newly visible voices.
Giving shape to this orchestra is a process of discovery, alteration and re-do. When I begin, I am never sure who is going to come into being and I am frequently surprised by the final piece. As I work I have tried  to capture the almost constant movement  and music of the restless powers that surround us. The isle is full of spirits, small gods and light affections. Just pay attention!
nan lee

About the builder:
Nan lives with her husband on North Haven Island in Penobscot Bay, 12 miles off the coast of Maine. She began creating her spirit men several years ago. Her work can be seen at North Haven Mercantile on North Haven beginning in late May.

​Notes:
 Construction materials include gel acrylic glues, small screws for added strength and stability and occasional hardwood dowels.
 On this website, each figure is numbered and approximate dimensions are given. Depth has been included only if the piece has more than usual depth.
Pricing: Generally smaller pieces cost from $75 to $100. Larger figures cost from $150 to $250. Shipping costs will vary according to size.
For more information and specifics of pricing, you can contact me at nanlee@midcoast.com.

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