Meet Jean Oh

We were lucky to catch up with Jean Oh recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jean, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I gradually developed my confidence and self-esteem by embracing successes and failures in my work. Early on, I learned that taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone was essential for growth. Every challenge, whether exploring a new technique or pursuing an unfamiliar interest, allowed me to learn and improve. Surrounding myself with supportive mentors and peers has also been invaluable—they’ve helped me recognize my strengths, especially when I doubted myself.

I’ve also learned to appreciate the imperfections in my work, which has allowed me to build resilience. The more I embraced irregularity, absurdity, and imperfection and trusted the creative process, the more confident I became in my artistic abilities and vision. Developing self-esteem came from acknowledging that growth results from both success and failure and that every step, no matter how small, contributes to my overall journey.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Jean Oh, a visual artist based in New York. My work explores the subtle imperfections and absurdities in life, capturing fragments of memories, emotions, and observations through painting and textile art. What excites me most about my practice is the unpredictability in the creative process—I often blend different materials, like acrylics, house paint, and traditional Korean silk, Nobang, to create layered, textured pieces that shift with time, light, and perspective. Each layering process is different and often unexpected, reflecting the complexity of human experiences and emotions. These elements encourage viewers to question and embrace imperfections.

I’m currently focused on expanding my practice with textile installations and sewn paintings that explore themes of identity, memory, and human interaction. I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of my work and engaging with viewers in new and meaningful ways.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience: Art is filled with uncertainties and setbacks, whether facing rejection or hitting creative blocks. Learning to push through challenges and accept that failure is part of growth has been essential for me. My advice is to embrace mistakes and imperfections as part of the process. Every challenge helps you evolve, and resilience will carry you through the ups and downs.

Curiosity drives exploration and discovery. For me, the desire to experiment with new materials and ideas keeps my work evolving. If you’re early in your journey, stay curious—try new techniques, question your surroundings, and explore themes that resonate with you. Being open to learning is key to staying inspired and growing as an artist.

Adaptability: Things don’t always go as planned in both life and art. I’ve learned to adapt and pivot when necessary, whether adjusting my artistic approach or responding to unexpected circumstances. Cultivating flexibility early on will help you stay creative and resilient, even in the face of obstacles. Don’t be afraid to shift your focus or try new methods when the situation demands it.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is balancing the realities of life with my artistic dreams. It’s a constant effort to stay focused on my goals while navigating the demands of everyday life. I work to continuously push myself to explore new ideas and develop as an artist, but it’s important to do so without losing sight of reality. I try to stay grounded, facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them, and use them as opportunities for growth in both my life and my art.

To overcome this, I’m refining my goals regularly and staying disciplined in my work. I remind myself that progress doesn’t always happen overnight, but persistence is key. It’s about finding that balance between dreaming big and staying rooted in the present, which fuels my drive and keeps me evolving as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ohjean.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean_____o/

Image Credits

Jean Oh