Daniel Lai transforms discarded books into narrative wall sculptures that explore various themes – from humor to social issues – in everyday life.
Artist: Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lai came to the United States in 2000 to attend college. He earned a BA in linguistics and an MA in art history from Montclair State University in New Jersey. In 2008, during college, Lai started making his book sculptures.
Lai continued his education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he received his PhD in criminology. He had plans to teach in academia and do research.
During the first year of his PhD program, Lai was asked several times to participate in an art event. He declined because of his busy schedule. Asked again, Lai agreed to show his work. And sold everything.
“I subsequently graduated, quit academia, and became a full-time artist,” said Lai, who lives part time in Florida.
In the beginning: As a kid in Malaysia, Lai found his teachers boring. To pass the time, he would fold the pages of his textbooks. And I used to get in so much trouble for that.
“As an adult artist, I discovered that books could be transformed into sculptures by folding the pages,” said Lai. “And the fun began.”
Art & materials: 3-D book art sculptures using discarded books, clay, decorative paper, found objects and sometimes resin ($200 to $6,000). The book sculpture is mounted on a wood panel, wired and ready to hang on the wall.
For his work, he cuts and reshapes books, folds book pages and forms his clay figures, like “The Thinker.”
Lai also adds found objects, such as pencils, light bulbs, egg shells and nuts, often with wordplay, like “Book Nut.”
Watch: https://tennesseecrossroads.org/daniel-lai-artist
Favorite tools: Symbolisms, witticisms and play on words.
Inspirations: Modernism and the works of Rodin, Modigliani and Giacometti.
What’s next: A two-person show at River Gallery in Chattanooga, June 1-30.
Where to buy: artbydaniellai.com.
Connect:
- Facebook: Art by Daniel Lai
- Instagram: @artbyedaniellai
