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A black and white illustration of dense, vertical shards of varying heights and widths. The sharp, geometric forms create a textured, rhythmic pattern across the frame.

Float away in the abstract illustrations of London-based master of most trades Céli Lee

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Date
21 November 2012

People with more than one string to their bow never cease to amaze me (speaking as someone with a decidedly single-string talent pool) and multi-disciplinary artist Céli Lee is one such creative. Her portfolio boasts animation, graphic design and digital collage but it is her illustration work that really stood out. It’s so easy to lose yourself in her painstakingly-constructed creations where her skill and patience combine to super-pleasing effect. Occasionally there’s a hint of something recognisable (an eye say, or an arm) but on the whole they revel in their own abstraction and with careful use of colour and a sumptuous way with texture, Céli creates worlds which take on their own beguiling aesthetic rules.

A symmetrical illustration of four intricate, swirling organic forms arranged in a diamond pattern. The shapes feature flowing lines, dotted textures and a palette of blue, gold and cream on a neutral grey background.
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Céli Lee: Autumn Shape

An illustration of flowing, organic shapes in shades of deep blue and white. The undulating lines create a marbled effect, resembling topographical maps or water ripples.
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Céli Lee: Blended

A black and white illustration of surreal, organic forms floating against a plain grey background. The composition blends floral elements with twisted, textured ribbons and chain-like structures.
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Céli Lee: Newborn

An illustration of oversized, overlapping flowers in shades of coral, orange and deep red. The petals feature fine, hair-like textures and dark, charcoal-grey accents.
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Céli Lee: Red

A black and white illustration of a face composed of organic, coral-like shapes. The figure is framed by dark, flowing hair that curls at the bottom against a plain light grey background.
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Céli Lee: When Coral Gets Dry

An illustration of interlocking, translucent organic forms that resemble ribbed tentacles or spinal columns. The shapes curve and overlap in shades of pale pink, purple and white against a textured, olive-green background.
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Céli Lee: Passenger

An abstract black and white illustration of dense, vertical shards of varying heights. The sharp, needle-like forms create a jagged skyline against a plain white background.
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Céli Lee: Lines of Thought

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About the Author

Rob Alderson

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Rob Alderson is a freelance writer, editor and strategist. He was previously editor-in-chief of It’s Nice That and WePresent, and editor of Design Week. He publishes the newsletter Undo, which tries to make sense of how AI is changing design work, the design process and the design industry.

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