Lee Wilson has taken a very unique journey to becoming an artist.

Hailing from Indonesia, Lee was the face of Balinese surfing for much of his pro career. Touted as one of the best free surfers in the world, it seemed inexplicable that Lee would suddenly step away from the surfing spotlight at the end of 2012.

Instead Lee focused on his family and indulging in his love for art, a love that has been with him since he was a child. In the last few years Lee has created a burgeoning art career, creating expressive paintings that weave Lee’s free and wild mind into the fabric of every brush stroke. Looking through his body of work you are just as likely to find an abstract, Picasso inspired portrait then you are a beautifully rendered expressionistic painting of Action Bronson.

We caught up with Lee and asked him some questions about his career, life advice and also that delicious Indo food. BAO!