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Keny Lee

Lee Powell (a.k.a Keny Lee), is a contemporary painter and writer based in Australia.

Lee transitioned from a distinguished career in innovation and tech startups, into art. Known in the art world as “Keny Lee,” a pseudonym blending the vibrant, fun-loving side of “Keny” with the serious, analytical nature of “Lee,” his dual identity is central to his life and creative expression.

Lee’s academic journey was marked by excellence, having graduated with a Master of Science in Software Engineering from Oxford University with a full fee scholarship. His professional life included the development of the infamous Windows versions of Scrivener and Scapple software. After 14 years of dedication, he sold his rights to the software to Literature and Latte in 2022, a short time after the software surpassed a million users worldwide.

Despite his success, Lee faced a deep existential crisis that led him to reevaluate his life’s direction. This period of introspection catalyzed a transformative journey, during which he ended a 33-year marriage, sold all his businesses, sold everything, and was fortunate enough to be able to embarked on a two year path of self-discovery, healing, and creativity in isolation.

Seeking tranquility, he relocated to a modest seaside shack, where he found solace in nature and simplicity.

It was in this serene environment that Lee discovered the therapeutic power of painting, which quickly became a daily ritual of self-expression. Largely self-taught, his work evolved from early experiments into refined, expressive pieces that mirror his personal journey. Free from the formal constraints and internal criticism that once stifled his creativity, Lee’s true artistic voice began to flourish.

Today, Lee is building an online training platform for personal discovery and empowerment.

He is also working on a book on masculinity, and of course, he paints for pleasure.

Lee’s story is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery, reflection and creativity - often in losing most everything we find ourselves.