"POWER SWING" Painting

Hello, my name is Darae Lee, an artist who paints the small moments of happiness found in everyday life.

For a long time, I lived at a fast pace, always chasing the next goal — art school entrance exams, university, employment. I believed that once I achieved each milestone, happiness would finally follow. I was so focused on moving forward that I rarely allowed myself to pause.

One day, while walking home after what I thought was another productive day, I suddenly noticed the strong scent of grass in the air. The leaves and flower petals swaying in the wind looked as if they were dancing, and it felt like nature was gently telling me, “This is happiness.” In that moment, I was reminded of my childhood, when I used to play freely with nature and insects, feeling joy for no particular reason at all. That realization made me aware of how many small but meaningful moments of happiness I had been overlooking.
A turtle appears in every one of my works. The turtle represents me — moving slowly but steadily forward, sometimes carrying emotional weight, yet continuing on its path. Traditionally, turtles symbolize longevity and good fortune. However, my interpretation of these meanings is slightly different. To me, longevity means a life where happy moments last for a long time, and good fortune comes naturally when we maintain positive thoughts and appreciate the small joys in our daily lives.

I intentionally use bright, luminous colors and soft light to create a sense of warmth and emotional comfort. I believe that colors carry energy, and through vibrant hues and glowing tones, I hope viewers can feel a sense of positivity, calmness, and gentle encouragement.

Through my work, I hope viewers can take a moment to reflect on the small joys they may have forgotten in their own lives. Happiness is not far away or extraordinary — it is always near us, waiting to be noticed in the present moment.