My Lovely Hat Painting

Biography I am a Korean-American artist who was born and grew up in South Korea. My journey into the world of art began when I was admitted to an art high school in Korea. At the young age of 16, I took my first steps into drawing. This initial experience was transformative, opening doors to various artistic disciplines that enriched my perspective. In college, I chose to major in Fine Arts with a focus on Oriental Painting—a traditional form of art that captures the essence and beauty of East Asian culture. As I immersed myself in academia, I also felt a strong pull towards community service. I began volunteering, using art as a medium to connect with and uplift children from marginalized backgrounds. This experience was not just about teaching techniques; it was about sharing the joy of creation and the therapeutic power of art. After moving to the United States, I studied and taught early childhood and special education. Interacting with these wonderful children filled me with deep love and respect for their resilience and unique perspectives. These interactions not only deepened my understanding but also became a source of inspiration for my work. Their stories, dreams, and aspirations began to be reflected in my paintings, adding depth and emotional layers to my creations. Children with disabilities, each unique yet beautiful in their own right, awaken gratitude and appreciation within us. They remind us of the inherent value of moments and experiences we often take for granted in our lives. My art is inspired by these precious children, especially those on the autism spectrum. Instead of the traditional Western canvas, I work with 'hanji' - a Korean traditional paper, and ink. Unlike canvases that accumulate layers of paint, hanji absorbs the ink, allowing colors to permeate and blend. This method, although unforgiving at times where even a single mistake might not be rectifiable, yields a result I find deeply satisfying. The spreading effect of the ink on hanji creates a rich spectrum of colors, while the ink lines bring life and dynamism to my works. This combination, coupled with my inspiration from these wonderful children, forms the essence of my art. "New Spectrum: Exploring New Possibilities and Hope through Children with Developmental Disabilities" The concept of my work focuses on children with developmental disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum.