Lee Ufan, the 90-year-old artist known for his minimalist paintings and sculptures, maintains a daily ritual of walking that he credits with shaping his creative process. Based in Paris and Kamakura, Japan, Lee’s practice involves leaving his home around 6:30 a.m. for an hour-long walk that serves as both a physical and mental preparation for his work.

During these walks, Lee pays close attention to his surroundings, observing roads, walls, flowers, and other details in the neighborhoods he passes through. He describes the experience as a way to "exhale the breath" accumulated overnight and to take in fresh air. Along the way, he visits local produce markets, often purchasing items like tomatoes, arugula, and apples, varying his choice of vendors and routes to keep the experience fresh.

Although Lee’s path may remain consistent, the perspective with which he approaches it changes daily, giving him a sense of renewal. “Even if I follow the same path and see the same things over and over, they always look fresh,” he said, viewing this freshness as a form of personal rebirth or cellular change. This pattern holds regardless of his location, whether in Japan, New York, Paris, or Shanghai.

Lee’s wife, who suffers from dementia and now lives in assisted care, used to join him at home, but he has long managed his outings and shopping alone. While most walks proceed smoothly, unexpected interruptions such as encounters or accidents can disrupt his rhythm, leaving a lingering sense of unease for the day. When he is unable to walk, he finds his body and mind feel clogged, prompting him to sit quietly and take deep breaths before beginning his painting.

Reflecting on the significance of ritual, Lee recalled an experience from over two decades ago when he shared a hotel in Venice with conceptual artist Roman Opalka. Observing Opalka’s slow, meditative coffee routine left a strong impression on him, reinforcing the value of consistent personal practice in an artist’s life.

In his studio, Lee balances careful planning with spontaneity. While he often starts with a rough outline, the movements of paint or brush may prompt adjustments, leading him to pause, pour tea, and reconsider before continuing. For Lee, walking and art-making are interlinked practices that help him maintain harmony between his inner and outer worlds, expanding his creative perspective and connection to his environment.