Meet Lee Chase IV | Writer, Photographer, Performer, Adult Education Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lee Chase IV and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lee, how do you think about risk?
I grew up in an environment where I never felt like could be myself, where I was not encouraged to be myself. It was all about living up to expectations and the dreams and aspirations I had were shot down. So for much of my life, I did what I loved in secret. No one else ever saw what I would create, whether it be written word or visual (film or photography). Once I finally reached a point in which I felt comfortable expressing myself openly, it was like my heart exploded out into the world. I would not have survived if I hadn’t liberated myself by creating pieces that are a true reflection of ME. I’ve found that in the mediums already mentioned but also in stage performance. My photography and stage work have drawn criticism and occasional ostricization from family. Little do they realize that it’s because of that judgment and keeping me from being my authentic self that led me to take risks I was afraid to before. Once I was out in the world long enough, I realized I was safe and could be who I wanted. I was finally free and I express that freedom in everything I do not, whether through my art of the work I do (my day job is in non-profit). And I won’t compromise that for anyone. Every word I write, lyrics I sing, picture I take…that is me breathing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am unable to focus on one medium. When I made a movie, it was as much as the words as it was the images. Same goes with my photographs…it’s always important to me tell you what inspired the shot or how it makes me feel. If it’s a portrait, I will usually get the words of the model to explain what made them want to participate in the session. When I perform, it’s as much about seeing how the music moves me as much as hearing it. I want to create multisensory art…it’s how I’ve always responded to works so that’s how I want mine to be experienced. I know that doesn’t differentiate me from other artists…what does, I think, is that another person wouldn’t have chosen to light that shot the way I did, or been inspired by the photo subject the way I was. They wouldn’t have written about that movie in the same words or sung that song in the same key and their body wouldn’t have moved like mine. We all bring our unique vision to what we do…even if we took a picture wrote a scene on the same subject or performed the same song, there would be details that belong to us and us alone. Due to the lack of self confidence I had in not feel like I could honestly express myself, it was extraordinarily difficult to find the courage to do it and then more so, to share it with the world. There was the normal fear of rejection, judgment, disapproval. I think sharing my work on a social platform helped me get over my photography fears, especially when I started doing nude self portraits when I quarantined in 2020. With performing, I would close my eyes and pretend no one else was there and then one day, I finally opened them (thankfully I never fell off a stage!). I think the biggest takeaway for me has been that no one will ever know us in the same way as when they experience our art. We’re often letting them into the depths of our heart and soul, a place that we might keep guarded and these are the only ways we can share our true self. And doing that is what keeps me alive. I’ve grown confident enough with what I do that even if the world doesn’t connect with it, I tried. I poured every ounce of me in and I can be proud of myself for that. Some of my best pieces have come from bad experiences. I once spent 2 hours capturing a shot after someone hurt me deeply. It was the only way I knew to make it better. And it did. It always comes from someplace. I want you to never doubt that when you see what I’ve created.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Memphis, one of the most exciting and culturally diverse cities in the country. Since we’re known for barbecue (as long as my friend eats meat), we will hit up Central BBQ and Payne’s, my favorites. If they’re not in the mood, Global Cafe, a delicious international food hall with dishes from all over the world. I would take them to South Main so they could soak in the beautiful murals and art galleries. While there, we could visit the National Civil Rights Museum, Ernestine and Hazel’s (a former brothel that’s now just creepy as hell) for jazz on Sunday nights, avd Arcade (Elvis’s favorite restaurant). We’d have to hit the Stax museum for some music history, Art Bar in Crosstown Concourse, and Sheetcake Art Gallery in the continually growing Edge district. If the weather’s nice, I’d taken them to Dixon Gallery and Gardens, which is free to the public. The flowers are glorious and the museum always has a spectacular exhibit. If there was a show, we’d go to the outdoor Ovteron Park Shell, a historic venue and if we’re lucky, the Shell on Wheels, a mobile stage that goes to different communities, would have a show too. I’d want them to see the newly renovated Cossitt Library downtown, as it’s as gorgeous and inviting a reading space as I’ve seen. I’d also love for them to see Novel and Burke’s, our two most precious local bookstore. If records are the flavor, Goner and Shangri-la will serve them well. And for more great local art and flavor, we could go down Broad Ave (and get savory ice cream at Sugar Ghost, brunch at The Liquor Store, or a drink at The Cove). There’s so much to see and experience here. Maybe even a tour with Backbeat to learn some Memphis history.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s difficult to even know where to begin when giving thanks to those who have stood beside me on this journey. The love and support I’ve been fortunate enough to experience runs deep. I’ll start with my grandmother, Mimi, who made me feel like I could do anything and who took me to see the movies as a kid that unlocked my imagination and made me realize what was possible through artistic creation (I lost her when I was 14). My friend Desiree, who has walked me through so many personal crises and reminded me even when I didn’t need it that I deserve to be here. My friend Kevin for inspiring to think about performing in new and thrilling ways through the power of collaboration. To Michael, whose extraordinary photos have me the courage to start taking it seriously and find my true potential. And to all the photographers I’ve met through social media that gave their valuable time to offer advice and let me know I was on the right track. My friend Brad, who read my screenplay and stayed on me for years to make the movie until I finally did, with his gracious help. I feel so bad that some people will be left out here…if I included them all, this piece would never end. Lastly though, I must mention John Patrick Shanley’s JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO, which came to me at a pivotal moment and literally saved my life. Thus is the healing power of art.

Website: http://hellandbeyond-lee.blogspot.com

Instagram: leethefourth

Twitter: leethefourth

Image Credits
The shot of me singing was taken by Cameron Mitchell. All others were taken by me.