I like to create images that convey unusual textures, patterns, shapes, and shadows. I enjoy experimenting with different techniques and media: acrylics, oils, watercolors, ink, photography, and 3D. Recently my preferred material to work with is hanji - a handmade mulberry paper from Korea. Hanji has been known in Korea for many centuries and is probably one of the oldest artistic mediums used by my ancestors.
I use a variety of techniques for hanji: from traditional (joomchi) to experimental, sometimes combining different techniques in a single work. Joomchi, a traditional Korean technique, uses water to seal several layers of hanji together to form a single sheet. Sometimes I incorporate other types of paper. I also frequently apply ink or acrylic enamel. I would say that hanji is a co-creator of my artworks by leading me through the creative process.
As for my works’ subject matter, they are mostly abstracts. Sometimes viewers see a landscape, a human figure, or a flower. I let the audience interpret my works for themselves and become a part of the creative and interactive process.
As suggested above, I am of Korean ancestry. When I was young growing up in the former Soviet Union, I was not encouraged to value my ethnicity and cultural heritage. Now that I am older and am living in a different socio-political environment, I feel the need and have freedom to go back to my Korean roots. Working with hanji is a part of my cultural homecoming. It helps me understand what makes me unique, what is valuable to me, and what path to take in the future.
Selected Exhibitions
2024, “Dialogues with Hanji” (solo show) at The Art Center, Fayetteville, NC
2024, “CAMERA: Robeson County” (group show) at CAM (Contemporary Art Museum), Raleigh, NC
2024, The 42nd Wilmington Art Association Spring Show and Sale (group show), The Official Art Show of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington, NC
2023, “Hang the Halls” (group show), Robeson Art Guild, Lumberton, North Carolina. First place.
2023, “Autumn Color Play” (group show), Robeson Art Guild, Lumberton, NC
2023, The 2023 Wilmington Art Association Spring Show and Sale (group show), The Official Art Show of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington, NC
2023, “Healing Arts” (group show), Robeson Art Guild, Lumberton, NC. Juried Show. Third place.
2023, Third Water art competition at Art Show International Gallery's, Los Angeles, California. Juried Show. Talent Prize Award
2023, The 13th Annual “Botanicals” online ort competition at LightSpaceTime.art. Juried Show. 7th place in the Photography & Digital category.
2022, Entry “Shades of Gray” featured in the LensCulture Art Photography Awards 2023 Competition Gallery.
2022, “Hang the Halls” (group show), Robeson Art Guild, Lumberton, North Carolina
2022, “Finders Keepers” (group show), Robeson Art Guild, Lumberton, North Carolina
2022, “Shape Maker and Entertainer” (group show), Robeson Art Guild, Lumberton, North Carolina
2014, Hogarth Biannual (group show), New York City, New York
