We spent a day with Jieun Park, one of Singulart’s South Korean stars, to learn how her traditional techniques result in modern expressions. From yoga to music to a warm cup of tea, delve into Jieun’s daily routine.
Hello, Jieun! What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I check my emails before stretching with a simple yoga exercise, to relieve any fatigue I’ve accumulated from the previous working day.
What inspires you to create every day?
I’m inspired by nature, everyday life, music… everything around me really. Because abstraction is an important element in my work, I try to gain energy from every possible aspect of life rather than limiting myself.
What does your work space look like?
I work in a private studio in Seoul. It’s not a big space, but it’s bright and full of sunlight. I love working in a sunny studio.
Describe the core of your technique or style.
During the work process, I delve into contrasting techniques and styles such as East/West, abstraction/detail. Using an oriental technique, I mount Korean paper on a canvas and paint abstract brush strokes with Chinese ink. After that, I draw a detailed city with acrylic paint. Finally, I add gold leaf.
What are your top 3 studio essentials?
1.) Music. When I use Chinese brush strokes, I feel a sense of rhythm through music. 2.) Incense. I like it because it makes me focused and calm. 3.) Something to drink: water, coffee or tea.
How do you know or decide when an artwork is finished?
If I don’t like the brush strokes I’ve applied, I keep working until I do. So, the brush stroke process defines completion.
What do you like to do to unwind after a day’s work?
Yoga. After working all day long, my shoulders, neck, waist, etc. are stiff, so I relieve the tension of my work through yoga. After work, yoga is very important to me – I love it.
What’s your overall favorite aspect of the creative process?
I love the moment when I mount the Korean paper onto the canvas. It’s a clean moment and it makes me excited for what I am going to paint.
