Originally from the Scottish Highlands, Lee is now living in Massachusetts. He studied first at Leith School of Art and then Edinburgh College of Art to complete his BA (Hons) and MFA degree in Drawing and Painting. After his college years, Lee exhibited nationally and internationally and spent four years tutoring at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee. In 2008, he received the Alastair Salvesen Painting Travel Scholarship. The prize took him to South America to research and develop artwork for a solo show held at Edinburgh Royal Scottish Academy. Before taking residence in the US, Lee worked with the non-profit arts organisation, Art Angel Dundee, supporting people suffering mental health difficulties.