Meet Mijin Kwon

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mijin Kwon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mijin below.

Mijin, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Firstly, I keep my creativity alive by staying engaged with the art world by exploring other artists’ work, attending exhibitions, or visiting museums. These experiences offer inspiration and fresh perspectives. I also spend time alone, reflecting and focusing on what I want to create. Sometimes, I sit in front of a blank canvas without distractions, which helps me connect more deeply with the work.

Secondly, I often distance myself from digital distractions, including social media and the internet, to maintain that focus. I’ve realized how much time we spend glued to our devices, which can detract from the mental space needed for creativity. So, when I work, I like to play some music and disconnect from everything else to concentrate on my artfully.

Additionally, traveling to new places or simply experiencing something outside my routine always sparks new ideas. These moments of discovery and self-reflection help keep my creativity alive, ensuring that I continue to grow as an artist.

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

I’m an urban landscape painter from South Korea based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through my oil paintings, I capture city scenes, focusing on moments that often go unnoticed or passed by in our daily lives. These seemingly ordinary moments, such as the way light falls on a building or the calmness of a quiet street, stop me in my tracks and remind me of the beauty within the everyday.

Living in a different country and city has greatly influenced my artistic career. Since moving to San Francisco, I’ve been naturally inspired by Bay Area artists and various artists. Even when artists paint the same city view, each artist brings a unique perspective, and that creative diversity has broadened my view of the urban environment. I’ve started paying closer attention to the details around me rather than simply passing them by. It’s made my daily life more interesting and filled me with a sense of discovery, like finding hidden treasures in the city.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to preserve these fleeting moments and share them with others. I aim to evoke memories, emotions, and connections to familiar places, reflecting on viewers’ experiences. As an artist, it feels special to bring happiness, nostalgia, and a sense of connection to those who engage with my art.

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

I believe passion, patience, and perseverance would be the three most impactful qualities in my art journey. While having skills and knowledge are important, progress and growth in my career without these three qualities would be difficult to sustain. Passion creates motivation, patience allows me to navigate challenges, and perseverance ensures that I stay on the path even when things get tough.

For those just starting their journey, I recommend cultivating passion and patience. These foundations will allow them to develop their skills, learn the basics, and eventually find their creative voice. Once they have a solid base, they can add their unique perspective and build a body of work that reflects their personal story. Continuity is also essential. Staying consistent with their work is what allows long-term growth. Without it, even the strongest passion can fade over time.

It’s important to remember that everyone has their own pace. Some people may find success and opportunities early on, while others may take more time. This isn’t a reflection of talent or potential, but simply a matter of timing. As long as you hold onto passion, patience, and perseverance, you’ll continue to evolve and the right opportunities will come your way.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I like to start by cleaning my space. It may sound simple, but tidying up helps me clear my mind and gives me a sense of control, which allows me to step back from whatever is causing the stress. Once I’ve done that, I organize my thoughts and think about what needs to be addressed first, prioritizing tasks individually. This approach helps me focus on what I can control, rather than getting stuck in worry.

Talking to others is another strategy I find helpful. Whether it’s a friend or a mentor, sharing my thoughts with someone who understands can provide clarity and support. Feeling overwhelmed often comes when you want to do everything perfectly, or when too many things happen together. As someone who tends to plan things carefully and aim for perfection, I’ve realized that waiting until everything is perfect can hold me back. So, I’ve been trying to work on not overthinking and just taking the first step, even if it’s not complete.

If someone is feeling overwhelmed, my advice would be to start with what’s in front of you—take small, manageable steps. Focus on what you can do immediately and break it into smaller tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, because sometimes we get stuck by trying to handle everything ourselves.

As an artist, this also happens during the creative process. There are moments when I feel unsure about my work—whether I’m on the right track or need to change direction. When that happens, I find it helpful to step back, clean up, and give myself the mental space to think more clearly. Visiting exhibitions, reading, or engaging with other experiences also helps me reset my mind and find new inspiration. The key is to create an environment that allows for reflection and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mijinkwonart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmm.jin.art0a0/

Image Credits

Mijin Kwon