As a first-generation Korean American "female," I was raised in a toxic household during my childhood and into my adulthood. This environment left me feeling as though my life had been nonexistent. I was subjected to resentment, neglect, blame, isolation, ignorant, unlove, neglect, and lacked knowledge; therefore, I felt like a wasteful human being, unworthy of existence in this world called “life.”
I have wanted to end my life many times until I picked up my first bristle brush that was dipped with a little bit of linseed oil, and the bristles being saturated with the mixture of Alizarin Crimson and Ultramarine blue. Focused and amazed at the creation of two particular pigments can create a color that only science can define. At that pivotal moment, I discovered my answer for my existence. I was reborn, and finally, after 20 indescribable years, light started to enter. Life! It exists to be lived, to be expressed, to be taught, to be shown to demonstrate and share to others that change is always possible. i've come to a realization that being born and raised in a toxic family does not define your worth—I am neither useless, mindless, nor destined to remain resentful. My life can grow beyond your beginnings, and I have the power to hold and shape it into something vibrant and meaningful.
My life took a dramatic turn, and I wholeheartedly embraced my passion for art. I excitedly shared my newfound enthusiasm with my family, but they responded with brutal laughter and impudent remarks, labeling me as "crazy." Surprisingly, for the first time in my life, I managed to numb them out and passionately embarked on a journey of self-discovery in the world of arts. Creativity was an unfamiliar concept to me, as I had never drawn or engaged in any arts and crafts activities during my childhood.
Anxiously, I channeled my passion for painting and drawing and enrolled in all the art classes offered at a community college. I immersed myself in art, dedicating countless hours to studying art theory and practicing my skills. I isolated myself from the outside world, fully immersing myself in the world of art. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, I sought out all the information I could find about art, artists, and history. Time flew by, and within two years, I had completed numerous art classes and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Drawing and Painting. In 2003, Cerritos Community College honored me with the prestigious “Student of the Year Curricular Art Award.” This recognition filled me with a profound sense of pride and confirmed that art was my true calling, passion, and purpose in life.
Although I couldn’t afford to transfer to a prestigious university, I applied to only one school conveniently located near my home: California State University of Fullerton. This was the path I chose, and I learned many techniques through the rigorous courses offered.
I graduated with my BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Painting and Drawing. Additionally, I was recognized in two different Scholastic Achievement and Excellence awards, both of which were international honor societies. In 2007, I became a member of both “Phi Theta Kappa” and “The Golden Key.”
After graduation, I yearned for practical experience and the opportunity to create a series of artworks, driven solely by the purpose behind my art. In 2007, a dream seemed effortlessly attainable, with numerous exciting events unfolding. The Bill Lowe Gallery in Santa Monica, California, approached me, offering me the chance to represent them as an artist. I eagerly accepted their offer.
A month later, the TARFEST Festival of Film, Music, and Art in Los Angeles, California, selected one of my art pieces, “Choices,” to be showcased at the Korean Culture Center. Additionally, I was fortunate to be chosen for an Artist Residency for two months, making me the youngest artist to exhibit at “The Red Arrow Gallery” in Joshua Tree, alongside two other artists. My work gained recognition in Korea Times, Los Angeles, and an exclusive article about me as an artist appeared in the Hi Desert Star in Joshua Tree News.
In the latter part of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, I received a $600 grant to stay at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center in Nebraska for another artist residency. During this residency, I produced a series of artworks that earned me a $1000 honorarium. This honor was accompanied by a two-month solo exhibition at the Art Loft of Florence Mill in Omaha, Nebraska.
In 2009, I embarked on another Residency in Madison, Wisconsin, where I created over twenty artworks during my stay. In 2010, from these artworks, I was fortunate to be invited to participate in a two-artist exhibition in Stockton, California, at the “LH Horton Gallery.” My artwork was displayed throughout the gallery for an entire month.
Throughout my career, I have gained recognition for manipulating mediums to produce distinct textures that evokes a variety of emotion in each piece. I have been drawing and painting for over 25 years, and have experienced in creating diverse figurative and portraiture artwork. In relation with working in collaboration with other vendors, I provide professional feedback and resources on specific artist tools that are used throughout my paintings.
Since 2022, I’ve become an influencer known for comparing and contrasting professional artist supplies across various social media platforms. I still reside in California and serve as an ambassador for Holbein Art Supplies. Additionally, I have sponsorships with Grumbacher, Legion Paper, Ampersand Boards, MisterArt Supplies, Supervision, and many other companies.
Most importantly, I want everyone to understand that anyone can learn anything if they put their heart into it. Never give up and don’t let anyone dissuade you from pursuing your goals. Age and busy schedules shouldn’t be barriers to learning. If you want to learn how to draw and paint, it’s absolutely possible. Just believe in yourself and follow your passion.