Lee Tollefsrud
Welcome
Lee is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in environmental consciousness and the repurposing of discarded materials. After moving to the Bay Area in 1988, he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene and began using found wood and other salvaged materials to create unique sculptures. His minimalist and abstract influences, drawn from artists like Alexander Calder, Kandinsky, and Paul Klee, shaped his artistic vision. While raising a family, Lee shifted his focus away from art to devote more time to his young family, creating only a few pieces each year. After his daughter grew up, he returned to his practice in 2007, reconnecting with his passion for sculpture. Today, under the name Salvaged Sculptures, Lee continues to craft thought-provoking pieces that combine his love for art and sustainability.
My Story
Born in a rustbelt city in Illinois surrounded by farmland, Lee's early life was shaped by the expansive forests, farmlands, and the piles of discarded materials he found scattered across them. From a young age, he was drawn to these remnants of the past, collecting and repurposing them—a habit that quietly laid the foundation for his future as an artist. A love for antiques such as old tins and small antique objects further fueled his interest in reclaiming and reimagining what others had discarded. Although he never fully connected with traditional art education, his creativity came alive when he began making sculptures from found materials in his final year of college.
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After graduating, Lee moved to California, where he became part of a thriving community of artists living in converted warehouses in Oakland. Surrounded by like-minded artists, he thrived in an environment rich with exchange and collaboration. Yet although there was inspiration all around him, making a living as an artist was very challenging, and so he turned to construction as a way to support himself. This hands-on experience gave him the practical skills to craft and build, further refining his artistic vision.
Throughout his journey, Lee’s work has been heavily influenced by minimalist and Bauhaus styles, as well as the abstract works of artists like Paul Klee, Joan Miro, Kandinsky, and Alexander Calder. Though family always came first, Lee eventually returned to his art after his daughter grew older, dedicating himself once again to the creative process. Today, under the name Salvaged Sculptures, Lee continues to merge his love for sustainability with his passion for art, creating thought-provoking sculptures that give new life to the materials others leave behind. His work stands as a testament to the power of repurposing, the joy of creation, and inspiration from others artists.
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In April 2018, Lee was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a condition that has significantly impacted both his daily life and his artistic practice. Though the diagnosis has presented many physical challenges, it has never dampened his drive to create. Lee has adapted to the limitations of his body, finding new ways to approach his sculptures while staying true to his creative vision. Parkinson's has only deepened his respect for the process of making, inspiring him to embrace the beauty of imperfection and the fragility of life in his work. His ongoing journey with Parkinson's has not only shaped the materials he uses but also the emotional depth of his sculptures, infusing each piece with a quiet resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.