Meet Heejo Kim

We were lucky to catch up with Heejo Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Heejo , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

I believe my optimism comes from my passion and intention for creating paintings. For example, when I feel frustrated in the middle of the painting process, I allow myself to get lost in the work and see where it leads me. Similarly, I try not to get overly stressed by uncontrollable situations. Instead, I take a step back and give myself time to transform my negative thoughts into positive ones.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I achieved my MFA degree in May 2023 from the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting program at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD. My BFA was conferred by the Painting program at Hongik University in Seoul, South Korea, in 2018.

My artistic focus lies in reestablishing identity and existence through the interplay between individuals and objects in figurative oil paintings. This thematic framework is rooted in the Buddhist belief of Dependent Arising (Yeongi-sull), which elucidates a symbiotic relationship: I exist because of you, and you exist because of me. The will to identify the figures’ existences reflects a need and desire to interact with others and objects.

To evoke a sense of belonging, I strive to create tender moments through the figures’ body gestures in a dreamlike memory space. This space signifies the suspension of time, allowing the figures to render diverse narratives through their intimate gestures as if grasping at a fleeting moment. These narratives become more palpable with the use of textures and rich complementary hues, harmonizing into a unified chromatic ambiance.

Through my paintings, I aim to fill the void of memory with the figures’ tenderness, accumulating moments to create a new time and space where they can exist. This approach enables my work to resonate deeply with viewers, inviting them to explore their own connections and memories.

In terms of recent developments, I am excited to share that I am preparing for an upcoming exhibition that will showcase new pieces exploring these themes further. Additionally, I am launching a series of workshops aimed at helping others tap into their creative potential and explore the intersection of identity and art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three important qualities that were most impactful in my journey are appreciation, generosity, and understanding interconnectedness. Valuing my presence and the presence of others fosters a sense of gratitude and respect, which is essential in both personal and professional relationships. This appreciation ties into being generous, as treating others with kindness and understanding creates a positive environment and builds strong, supportive networks. Recognizing that everything and everyone is intricately connected helps me appreciate diversity and fosters collaboration, enabling us to embrace differences and stay together harmoniously.

For those early in their journey, I recommend cultivating these qualities diligently. Practice gratitude daily and recognize the value in yourself and others. Approach interactions with kindness and a willingness to help, as small acts of generosity, can significantly impact relationships and open doors to new opportunities. Seek to understand the connections between people and ideas, engage with diverse perspectives, and be open to learning from others. This will enrich your experiences and contribute to a more inclusive and cohesive community. By nurturing these qualities, you will build a strong foundation for personal growth and professional success.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

The challenge I am facing these days is navigating textures and flat surfaces in my artwork. Most of my work has featured flat and smooth brush marks with small areas of texture. I now want to delve deeper into studying oil paint textures, aiming to incorporate more detailed and materialistic qualities into my surfaces. Specifically, I am looking to understand and master various techniques that create rich, intricate textures that add depth and complexity to my pieces. This involves exploring different tools, such as palette knives and textured brushes, as well as experimenting with layering methods, impasto techniques, and the use of mediums that enhance texture.

My goal is to transition from predominantly flat and smooth finishes to compositions where textures play a more prominent and dynamic role. I believe that by integrating these textured elements, I can bring a new dimension to my work, making it more engaging and visually striking. This shift will not only challenge me creatively but also help me grow as an artist by pushing the boundaries of my current practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heejokim0214.com/
• Instagram: @heee__h