Storytelling
Includes Ordinary Wonderland Series (2022 - Present)
A story is one of the key elements that make something special, has a power of creating connections and evoking emotional resonance. This element inspires me and drives my artistic creations.
The Ordinary Wonderland series is inspired by stories draws from daily observation, events and experiences, expressed in surrealistic forms. Each work has its own story and that story was resonated deeply within myself. Imagination played a viral role, giving wings to these stories and transforming them into something special.
The processes of creating this series was filled with joy and playfulness, reflected vibrant color choices and child-like the doodles. Ordinary Wonderland series represents transparency of my inner self blooming with childlike wonder and storytelling.
Title: Everything Happens for you
Pastels, watercolors, colored pencils, pencils on paper.
38H x 55W inches
Inspired by an unordinary story of a rescued blind owl named Zeus. After seeing a small image of him with the eyes that seemed to contain the whole universe, the creating journey started. Through child-like imagination, the perfect world for him would be like this painting, a companion who always be next to him, a caring hand having a fond of him, whimsically colored forest with full of joy.
Title: Free Yourself
Pastels, colored pencils, pencils, and watercolors on paper.
58H x 56W inches
Inspired by one of my orchid plants that hadn’t bloomed for over two years, I saw a reflection of myself as a struggling artist. This painting embodies hope and the wish to bloom vibrantly, like a rainbow. As its caregiver, I imagined the perfect environment for the plant—floating in the sky, surrounded by clouds, away from harsh sunlight.
Amazingly, the orchid bloomed shortly after I completed this piece. Even more surprising was how its wild roots and shining leaves mirrored the energy I painted, embracing their beauty with pride to this day.
Title: You are precious
Pastels, colored pencils, pencils and watercolors on paper.
55H x 42W inches
Story of a little yellow bird that I rescued on a driveway near Bryant Park in New York City inspired this painting. Holding the fragile baby bird in my hand, I felt a warmth that’s rare and precious, a memory that stayed with me. This experience merged with my imagination and inner self, transforming into a painting that reflects the emotions and wishes I held throughout the process.
This painting represents self-love and the cherished memory of the bird.
Title: Changed Perspective
Pastels, pencils, watercolors, shellac inks and oil pastels on paper.
55H x 37W inches
As I get older and gain more life experience, my perspective has evolved. What once seemed vital has faded, and the beliefs I once held so strongly have dissipated. I’ve learned to leave the past behind with the rigid thinking patterns that once defined me—thinking in black and white—and embrace the limitless possibilities of the present and future.
The storm-like element in this work represents the construction of a limited, narrow-minded perspective. It was born from the rigidity of preconceived beliefs and biases. Only by shifting our viewpoints, accepting diverse perspectives, and opening our minds can break free from these confines. This change allows us to see the broader, more colorful depth of life.
Title: Painting Diary No.1/2023
Pastels, watercolors and pencils on paper.
24 H x 18 W inches
After my first visit to Korea since moving to New York in 2012, I was filled with excitement and curiosity about the things I left behind. Reconnecting with family, friends, and revisiting cultural sites fueled my renewed interest in Korean heritage. This experience inspired me to create this piece upon returning to New York.
The elements in the painting are drawn from Korea’s historical heritage, except for the Siberian squirrel, which symbolizes curiosity and excitement, reflecting my emotional state during this period.
