What inspired you to become an artist and when did you start taking art seriously?

What inspired me to become an artist wasn't a single moment, but rather an ongoing process. I come from a Korean rectory, where my artistic inclinations were encouraged early on. At sixteen, I began painting regularly alongside school with a private art teacher, until I was finally accepted to two art schools after graduating from high school: in Bremen (HfK) and Hamburg (HfBK). I chose Hamburg, but later gave up art studies in favor of a degree in

I abandoned philosophy, art history, and German studies. This seemingly not-so-straightforward path was also part of the process of becoming an artist.

Which artists or art movements have most influenced your style and your work?

It all started with Claude Monet. At thirteen, I discovered his paintings in an art book at the public library and was absolutely captivated! Of course, depending on my life stage, there have been many other artists and art movements that have fascinated me. Currently, I'm inspired by paintings with a minimalist approach, which are less concerned with narrative content and more with the immediate visual impact of color.

Could you walk us through the creative process you go through when creating a new piece?

The creative process as a whole is a mystery to me, because the creation of images occurs not only consciously, but also, and above all, intuitively. My starting point is always the perception of landscape and natural phenomena. I perceive sensory impressions such as light, air, and mood and transform them in my artistic practice. I'm less concerned with describing nature and more with the dialogue with color. I paint with nature, so to speak, rather than after nature.

Is there a particular theme or message you want to convey in your work?

I paint abstract landscapes in a reduced formal language that leaves the viewer plenty of room for personal associations. My art invites the viewer to contemplate the visible and pause in the here and now. At the same time, the invisible, the intangible, and even the infinite also play a thematic role in my paintings.

What has been the biggest challenge on your artistic journey so far, and how did you deal with it?

Motherhood still seems to be a taboo subject in the art world, because for a long time, the notion held, or still holds, that artists must live entirely for art. I consider that a myth. But it was undoubtedly challenging when my children were younger. How did I deal with it? I was time-hungry and persistently pursued my goals. In doing so, I learned not to be afraid of slowness.

Are there any techniques and materials that you prefer?

I primarily paint with self-mixed egg tempera and oil. These techniques allow me to apply many thin layers, creating the vibrant color effect that is characteristic of my paintings.

Is there a particular place where you prefer to work?

I prefer working in my studio, which is located outside my home in Diez's old town. I also enjoy the daily walk there and back.

Where do you see yourself and your art in the next five years?

I see artistic activity as an ongoing process. Ideally, I'd like to paint until I drop dead with a paintbrush in my hand in old age. In five years, I hope to still be vibrant, working on great projects, and well-connected. I'm looking forward to everything that's to come!

What advice would you give to other young artists who are just starting out?

Everyone has to find their own path, but it certainly doesn't hurt to engage with art history and visit exhibitions. Whether I like it or not, every newly created painting is placed in the context of centuries of painting history. So, off to the museum—or the public library!