Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jean Rim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jean, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in both my heritage and my personal journey as an artist. Growing up in a Korean household, I was surrounded by the values of perseverance, discipline, and craftsmanship. That mindset has stayed with me.
Beyond that, my work ethic is shaped by my medium and process. I carve paint rather than using a brush, and that requires patience, repetition, and trust in the process. There’s no shortcut; it’s about layering, carving, and being fully present with each piece. It’s a form of meditation for me, and I approach it with the same discipline as one would in spiritual or healing practices.
At the same time, I have a rebellious streak. Growing up in New York City, I spent time in the East Village, surrounded by incredible artists, musicians, and creatives who were living boldly and on their own terms. That exposure shaped my belief that art isn’t about following rules—it’s about carving your own path, quite literally in my case. Being immersed in that world taught me to question norms, embrace authenticity, and work tirelessly to create something meaningful.
I also think my background as a licensed massage therapist influences my approach. Healing, whether through touch or through art, requires consistency, care, and intention. I don’t believe in rushing things—whether it’s a painting, a body’s recovery, or an artist’s career.
Lastly, I find inspiration in nature, particularly water. Water moves effortlessly yet persistently, shaping landscapes over time. That’s how I see my practice—I show up every day, put in the work, and trust that over time, each mark I make contributes to something greater.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I create hand-carved paintings that serve as visual meditations—offering a space for rest, reflection, and serenity in a world filled with constant noise. Instead of using a brush, I carve into layers of enamel paint with a chisel, a process inspired by Korea’s ancient wood carvings. Each mark I make is a way of marking time, a quiet yet intentional act that connects me to both the present moment and the future.
What excites me most about my work is its dual nature—it’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. The process of carving is intuitive, almost like breathing or swimming, and I see my work as a reflection of water’s adaptability, depth, and healing qualities. I also embrace the idea of transformation—saving the carved bits from my paintings and collaging them into new compositions, giving them a second life.
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year! My work will be presented at BAMA Art Fair in Busan this April with Gallery H. I will also be leading workshops in Seoul this June as part of Touchy-Feely, a show at Loop Alternative Art Space. These workshops will focus on somatic release and processing trauma through tactile engagement—using carving, touch, and movement as ways to reconnect with the body and emotions. I incorporate crystal energy into my practice, recognizing how different stones hold vibrations that can aid in grounding, clearing, and restoring balance. Just like the layers of my paintings, crystals hold history and energy, offering subtle but powerful support in somatic healing.
This summer, I have a solo exhibition at J. Gernon Gallery in Troy, NY, from July 25 – August 23. In August, I’m honored to have been accepted into an art residency in Mongolia with Red Corner, which will be an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a new environment and let the landscape influence my work.
It’s a year of expansion, travel, and deeper connection to my practice. I’m excited to share these experiences and see how they shape my work moving forward.
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?
Patience & Trust in the Process: Art unfolds in layers. My work involves carving into paint, which means I don’t always know what’s underneath until I reveal it. This has taught me patience and trust. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to want immediate results, but the best work comes from showing up consistently and allowing things to develop over time.
Resilience & Adaptability: The art world is unpredictable. There are rejections, shifts in trends, and periods of uncertainty. Learning to adapt has been crucial in my journey. My advice: stay open, embrace change, and don’t let rejection define your worth.
Embodiment & Intuition: My work is deeply connected to the body—through somatic awareness, breath, and physical mark-making. Creativity isn’t just a mental act; it’s an embodied experience. My advice: connect with your body, listen to its wisdom, and let intuition guide your work.
For those early in their journey, I’d say: find what keeps you engaged, trust your pace, and don’t be afraid to explore beyond traditional paths. Your art, like you, is always evolving. Stay present, stay curious, and let it unfold.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Rather than a single person, my journey has been shaped by a combination of ancestral wisdom, creative community, professional insights, and deep personal connections.
Journeying & My Ancestors
Journeying & My Ancestors: A major part of my practice involves Journeying, a shamanic practice where I visit my ancestors. These experiences have given me guidance beyond what the physical world offers, connecting me to something greater than myself. Through these journeys, I receive insight, strength, and a reminder that my work is part of a lineage.
Fellow Artists & the Art World Outside the Studio: While creating is solitary, I’ve learned so much from talking with art critics, dealers, and consultants. Their insights have helped me understand how my work is seen in different contexts and how it exists beyond my own relationship with it.
Healing & Deep Personal Connections: My work as a licensed massage therapist has allowed me to cultivate decades-long relationships with my clients. We grow together, move through pain, and celebrate joy. Just as I hold space for my clients to heal, my paintings hold space for reflection and rest.
Overcoming challenges has been about staying open—to the wisdom of tradition, the insights of those outside my immediate world, and the deep personal connections that sustain me. Success isn’t about a straight path but about staying present, adapting, and trusting the process—in art and in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeanrim.com
- Instagram: www.instamgra.com/jeanrimartist
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@carvingpaint?si=_nuKLLTLkJPQYYVz
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