Meet ChanMi Jung Pyles

We were lucky to catch up with ChanMi Jung Pyles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi ChanMi, 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?
Discovering my purpose has been a dynamic and evolving journey, intricately woven into the tapestry of my life and artistic career. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, creativity was an integral part of my childhood, nurtured by experiences in my grandfather’s art studio and learning traditional Korean calligraphy. Despite not initially majoring in art, my love for creating persisted.

My academic pursuits led me to major in English and Spanish Language and Literature at Korea University, followed by a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Education. The trajectory of my life took a significant turn when my husband, Brian, and I welcomed our first child in 2015.

Navigating the complexities of motherhood and work, I made a pivotal decision to devote my time to raising my child. It was during this period that I rediscovered my passion for art, picking up paintbrushes and translating the messages God placed on my heart onto canvas. The themes of florals, animal art, landscapes, and biblical verses became a canvas for expressing profound emotions and spiritual insights.

In 2018, I took a leap of faith, sharing my art on social media under the name “ChanMi’s Art Journey.” The positive response propelled me to fully commit to my artistic calling in 2021, culminating in the release of my first abstract art collection, Imperfect Splendor. This project, created without traditional brushes, became a powerful medium to convey the beauty within imperfections and the redemptive narrative of our life journey. Since then, my art has been exhibited globally in Italy and Japan, and nationally in NYC, California, and Pennsylvania in the U.S.

Through each phase of this creative odyssey, I’ve found purpose in the intersection of my love for art, faith, and the transformative power of God’s love. The decision to step into the realm of abstract art, guided by a sense of calling, brought a new dimension of joy and freedom to my creative process. This journey has been a daily reminder of who we are in Christ – imperfect yet splendid in the eyes of our loving Heavenly Father.

In essence, my purpose unfolded organically through the interplay of life experiences, motherhood, faith, and the continuous dialogue between my creativity and the messages I seek to convey. It’s a purpose that continues to evolve, guided by the hands of the Author and Perfecter of my journey (Hebrews 12:1-3), offering a beacon of hope and inspiration to hearts and homes around the world.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
“ChanMi’s Art Journey” can be encapsulated in three words – timeless, life-giving, and heaven-inspired. These words reflect the essence of my artistic vision, emphasizing the pursuit of eternal truths and conveying a heavenly reality that satisfies our deepest longings.

What excites me most about my artistic career is the ability to serve as a beacon of hope in what I term a “Light-deficient” world. My art, especially in the realm of contemporary abstract pieces, provides a unique opportunity to share messages of hope, grace, and the unfailing, lasting love of the Heavenly Father on a global scale.

As I continue this journey, the mission of “one home at a time, one heart at a time” remains at the forefront. The most rewarding part of being an artist is witnessing how my art becomes a companion for individuals on their diverse, challenged-filled journeys. The impact is not only national but also international, encouraging hearts and souls through the power of uplifting art.

Looking ahead, my focus remains on the evolution of ChanMi’s Art Journey, anticipating new opportunities for growth, collaborations, and further impact. While embracing the ever-evolving nature of my artistic career, I find joy and confidence in knowing that it is in the trustworthy hands of the Author and Perfecter of my journey (Hebrews 12:1-3).

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my artistic journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:

1. Faithful Creativity: The ability to step out in faith and embrace creativity has been paramount. Creating art is not just a skill; it’s a journey of knowing God in a deeper and fresher way. Recognizing that we reflect God as the Creator, and understanding that creativity is a gift that unfolds as we use it, encourages those early in their journey to step out with faith. Embrace the joy of creating without fear, much like a child exploring colors and lines. The advice is to start where you are, without the need for a special setup or class.

2. Communion with God in Creativity: The practice of inviting God into the creative process has been transformative. My art themes often emerge from recurring themes in my walk with God. It’s not just about technique; it’s about communing with the Creator during the creative process. Early journeyers are advised to view their creative time as a sacred space, allowing God to reveal themes and messages. This approach has led to the birth of art collections like “Imperfect Splendor,” “Heart Garden,” and “Great Delight.”

3. Exploration and Revelation through Art Techniques: Exploring various painting techniques has been an enriching part of my journey. Techniques like drip painting have been instrumental in revealing God’s heart and messages. “Boundless” and “Water of Life” were born out of these processes, reflecting boundless love and the symbolism of God’s living water. For those starting out, the advice is to explore different techniques, as they can become a conduit for divine inspiration and meaningful messages.

Advice for those early in their journey:

1. Step Out in Faith: Don’t be daunted by the prospect of creating something new. Step out in faith, embrace the process, and discover the depth of your creativity. You don’t need a perfect setup; start with simple materials and let your creativity flow.

2. Create a Sacred Space for Creativity: View your creative time as a communion with the Creator. Invite God into the process, allowing themes and messages to unfold. This sacred space can lead to profound revelations and the birth of meaningful art collections.

3. Explore Techniques with Purpose: Experiment with different painting techniques, not just for the sake of variety, but with a purpose. Techniques can become a language through which God communicates profound truths. Let exploration be a journey of revelation.

In essence, the key lies in faith, communion with the Creator, and purposeful exploration. As I continue to draw inspiration from verses like Philippians 1:6 and Revelation 21:5, my journey is a testament to the transformative power of faithful creativity and the divine partnership in making all things new.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am excited about the prospect of collaboration and partnership, aiming to weave my artistic journey into diverse realms. My vision extends to collaborating with art galleries, faith-based ministries, retreat organizers, writers, musicians, and like-minded creatives. I believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections across different spheres.

For art galleries, I am eager to showcase my collections in spaces that appreciate the intersection of faith, creativity, and transformative messages. The visual narratives in my art collections, such as “Imperfect Splendor,” “Heart Garden,” and “Great Delight,” resonate with themes that can add depth and inspiration to gallery spaces.

Collaborating with faith-based ministries aligns with my mission to infuse hope, grace, and the love of the Heavenly Father into various communities. Whether through exhibitions, events, or joint projects, I envision a partnership that fosters a deeper connection between art and spirituality.

Retreats offer a unique platform for immersive experiences, and I am open to collaborations that bring an artistic dimension to these gatherings. My art, rooted in themes of renewal and spiritual journey, can complement the transformative atmosphere of retreats.

Collaborations with writers and musicians present exciting possibilities for interdisciplinary projects. Whether it’s creating visual interpretations of written works or contributing to the visual aspect of musical compositions, the synergy between different forms of artistic expression can result in compelling and multi-sensory experiences.

If you are reading this and share a passion for these collaborative possibilities, I welcome you to connect with me. Whether you are an art gallery seeking fresh narratives, a faith-based ministry looking to integrate art into your mission, a retreat organizer envisioning a transformative artistic element, or a fellow creative spirit with ideas for interdisciplinary projects, I am open to discussions and eager to explore the potential for collaborative endeavors.

Feel free to reach out through my website, social media channels, or any other convenient means. Let’s embark on a collaborative journey that not only enriches our respective crafts but also resonates with audiences seeking a profound and inspiring artistic experience.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Bora Yom Photography

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