A Day With Seunghwui Koo

Seunghwui Koo’s miniscule mixed media creations have fast gained popularity among collectors all over the world. We took some time with the South Korean talent to learn more about her studio rituals, famous ‘piggies’ and penchant for Pokemon Go.

Hi, Koo! What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I make my morning coffee, feed my cat, check my e-mails, and then I review what I need to do for the day.

What inspires you to create every day?

When I’m working and creating, I’m always thinking of what I need to do next and brainstorming future ideas. So as not to forget my ideas, I constantly jot down notes, draw sketches, and sometimes I even make samples. My inspiration comes from my endless imagination, as well as from events occurring in our world. I particularly watch online videos and social media happenings, which give me a lot of ideas and thoughts about what I want to do.

What does your work space look like?

I currently work from my apartment.  My studio gets a lot of sunlight, and I have a great view of the Hudson River, which always calms me. The view is probably the best part. It seems to wash away any stress that I have inside. 

Describe the core of your technique or style.

I make pigs by hand every morning for about two hours each day. A couple of times a month I collect the pigs and bake them in the kiln.  Painting the pigs and attaching them onto a surface are the main parts of my work. I also continue to study materials like clay and porcelain, and I’ve experimented with putting different color pigments in different types of clay to achieve the desired color and texture. Sometimes the color is too warm, or the tone is different from what is intended. Often, it takes a long time to put the pigs in the kiln with all of these expectations, bake them and wait for them to cool. One of the most exciting moments for me is when I open up the kiln and see all the colors I was hoping for.

What are your top 3 studio essentials?

I must have my iPad with me. Depending on the conditions of the day I will turn on YouTube, music, news, or entertaining shows. This is very important to me as I work alone. I don’t feel like I’m alone when I have my iPad turned on. The things I watch and listen to give me a view of the world; they give me ideas and thoughts on what I need to work on next. 

I also often drink tea. The tea that I drink comes directly from my mother’s home in Korea. I choose the type of tea depending on how I’m feeling – I drink different teas when I’m tired, or feel constrained, or nervous, and so on. Drinking tea makes me feel healthy while I’m working.

How do you know or decide when an artwork is finished?

I know I have finished a work when I have covered the panel with pigs perfectly in my eyes, or, if I paint or attach anything more, I will lose my mind.  This is a sign to me that my work is finished.

What do you like to do to unwind after a day’s work?

I enjoy a nice dinner with my husband, and if the weather is good, we will take a walk around our neighborhood.  I enjoy walking and playing Pokemon Go, too.  I appreciate the little moments of happiness throughout my day.

What’s your overall favorite aspect of the creative process?

I am most happy when I finish my work.  This is the best part of the process for me. I feel great joy and satisfaction when I match the shapes and colors of my piggies.  I attain a deep sense of accomplishment when I am completely finished.

Thank you, Koo! Explore her artist page.