Frank Gee
Gallatin, Tennessee
Born in Canton, China, artist Frank Gee has lived in the Nashville area since the age of five after moving here with his family. Soon after coming to Tennessee, Gee discovered Mill Creek, a small stream located near his family's home…and so began his love affair with water.
An avid fisherman, canoeist, hiker, and backpacker, Gee is intimately acquainted with nature - the source of all his art. His depth of knowledge regarding the anatomy of all species of fish, combined with his interest in biology, render his Gyotaku paintings (fish rubbings) real and captivating - taking his art well beyond a one-dimensional representation. Gee’s Asian heritage also plays an integral part of his life as well as his art. He believes that the simple and perfect rhythms of nature are reflected in the traditions of the orient.
Though he is best known for his paintings of birds, rabbits and fish, it would be difficult to categorize his art into any single style. From vividly colored koi swimming in a feeding frenzy to a serene winter scene with geese flying overhead, Gee believes in the Oriental philosophy of painting, which suggests that subjects are best painted when held in one's memory. Nature's images are indelibly etched into Gee’s memory resulting in paintings rich in simplicity and depth, and often with his own brand of humor.
Gee paints from his large studio set in Oakley, one of the oldest homes in Sumner County, where he and his wife reside. The house is one of the original Franklin houses and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its sweeping views over Fairvue Plantation lead to beautiful Old Hickory Lake, where Frank may be found many days collecting his subject matter from his bass boat.
Want to hear more about Frank? Check out the video interview from when he was our Artist of the Month!
