James Lee’s project The Nitty Gritty explores overlooked, worn objects through the lens of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, focusing on imperfection and quiet endurance. The series highlights subjects often dismissed as insignificant, revealing their textures, flaws, and implied histories. Lee frames these elements as symbols of perseverance, suggesting a parallel to human existence. As an Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor, his work centers on finding meaning in the unnoticed, emphasizing observation and appreciation of everyday details.