Meet Ji Young Kim

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ji Young Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ji Young, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through my love for textures and stories. Growing up, I was that kid who couldn’t walk past a cool fabric without touching it. I was fascinated by how something so simple—like a pattern or a stitch—could tell a story without saying a word. When I started working with fiber art, it hit me: this wasn’t just about making stuff; it was about creating experiences that connect people to their emotions.
I’m a naturally planned person (seriously, I love a good to-do list), but when I’m making art, all that planning fades away. Suddenly, I’m free, and everything feels possible. My emotions and experiences start to organize themselves through my hands. That’s why I keep going—art is where structure and freedom collide for me.
Now, my purpose is to spark curiosity, joy, and connection through my work. I want people to interact with it, feel something, and maybe even see the everyday in a whole new way. For me, art isn’t just about objects—it’s about vibes, emotions, and the stories we can share without saying a word.

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’m Ji Young Kim, a fiber artist whose work bridges the tactile beauty of traditional techniques with the bold, playful energy of modern creativity. My artistic focus is all about transforming fibers into experiences—whether it’s through weaving, embroidery, felting, or creating sculptural pieces that beg to be touched and explored. What excites me most about my work is the way it invites curiosity and interaction. I aim to push the boundaries of what fiber art can be, blending soft and hard materials to create bold contrasts and unexpected forms that surprise and delight.
What’s special about my art is its focus on connection—both emotional and physical. I believe art should be something you feel, not just something you look at. Each piece I create is designed to spark joy, curiosity, and even playfulness, encouraging people to see the ordinary in extraordinary ways.
Recently, I’ve been diving deeper into drawing as part of my creative process. I love sketching creatures and concepts, then bringing them to life with fiber techniques, creating a playful dialogue between 2D and 3D worlds. It’s been exciting to explore how these two forms feed into each other and open up new possibilities in my work.
In terms of what’s new, I’m currently preparing for a few upcoming exhibitions that explore happiness and connection—key themes in my art. I’m also working on expanding my practice to include workshops and collaborative projects, where I can share the joy of creating with others. For me, art isn’t just about self-expression; it’s about fostering a sense of community and reminding people to embrace the beauty of chaos and possibility.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been game-changers in my journey as an artist: curiosity, playfulness, and adaptability. These are the traits that keep me moving forward, constantly evolving, and bringing fresh energy to my art.
Curiosity is my fuel. It’s what pushes me to explore new materials, try unconventional techniques, and dive into new experiences that have nothing to do with art but end up influencing it in unexpected ways. For anyone starting out, I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay curious. Whether it’s a new medium, a weird idea, or an unfamiliar experience, always ask “what if?” Curiosity leads to innovation, and innovation leads to breakthroughs. So, don’t be afraid to get weird with your practice—it’s where the magic happens.
Next up: playfulness. Art should be fun, right? It’s about experimentation and embracing the messiness of the creative process. The more I let go and allow myself to play, the more exciting my work becomes. Playfulness is about testing boundaries, finding joy in unexpected places, and allowing yourself to make mistakes without overthinking it. If you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to dive in without a strict plan. Be open to what happens in the moment—it’ll often be way more interesting than anything you could’ve pre-planned.
And finally, adaptability. The art world is constantly shifting—styles change, trends evolve, and new technologies emerge. As artists, we need to be able to roll with the punches and stay open to change. Being adaptable means being comfortable with reinvention and not getting stuck in one way of thinking. It’s all about finding new ways to grow, whether that’s in your technique, your perspective, or your approach to your audience. For those just starting out, my advice is: be flexible. Don’t box yourself in, and embrace the constant evolution of your art. Change is the path to growth.
In a nutshell, curiosity, playfulness, and adaptability are the secret sauce to my artistic journey. They’re what keep my work fresh, fun, and ever-evolving. For anyone new to the game, these qualities will help you break out of the “rules” and create art that’s as dynamic and unique as you are. So, stay curious, stay playful, and let change fuel your creativity—it’s the best way to grow as an artist and as a person.

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?

A particular challenge I’m currently facing revolves around the very thing that drew me to art in the first place—the lack of a “right” answer. I fell in love with the idea of creating something new, something that I could define through my own lens, with my own “right answer.” However, this starting point has also become a source of uncertainty for me lately. I often find myself questioning whether my belief in the absence of a clear answer is a strength or a limitation. These doubts resurface often, and it’s a little unsettling.
What I’m seeking now is to push beyond this internal conflict. I want to open up my work to a broader conversation and get input from various communities—whether directly or indirectly. Sharing my thoughts and experiences with others, learning from different perspectives, and engaging with new ideas is the way I feel I can expand my art. It’s about breaking out of that internal loop and finding new ways to interact with the world. I’m excited to continue exploring these uncertainties and turning them into something that not only enriches my own practice but also connects with others in unexpected ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jigleing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingleing_art/

Image Credits

Photo credit: Kuan Hsieh and Ji Young Kim