Q. Welcome to u1 gallery. We are so grateful to be able to interview you. Could you introduce yourself? How did you begin creating art?A. Hello, my name is ChanMi, and I'm a contemporary artist living in the suburbs of Philadelphia, USA. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, where I developed a love for various forms of creativity during my childhood, such as poetry, music, crafts, and painting. Growing up, I had the privilege of spending time in my grandfather's art studio, who was a traditional calligraphy artist in South Korea. Despite my deep appreciation for art, I pursued a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish Language and Literature at Korea University in Seoul. Later on, I pursued a graduate degree in Intercultural Communication from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. It was during the precious moments of my child's nap time that I rediscovered the joy of painting, and my passion for art was reignited. As I entered my late 30s, I fully embraced art as my true calling, and in recent years, I have been actively creating numerous captivating contemporary paintings.
Q. Could you describe one artwork or series from your oeuvre that you feel it was pivotal in your career?
A. In 2021, I proudly introduced my very first abstract art collection called Imperfect Splendor, marking it as one of the most significant projects of my artistic career. What sets Imperfect Splendor paintings apart is their unconventional creation process. Instead of using traditional brushes, I employ special tools like "spatulas or shapers" to craft rough and textured layers, giving the artworks a unique depth and ruggedness. These paintings deliberately deviate from clean-cut and conventional styles, intentionally incorporating multiple layers and blemishes to mirror the imperfections we encounter throughout our personal journeys. Life's path is often filled with mistakes, disappointments, sorrows, and brokenness, which these paintings seek to reflect. However, amidst all the imperfections, these artworks reveal the enduring presence of beauty. By allowing God's great mercy and love to redeem, restore, and reshape our stories, we can discover beauty even in life's imperfect places. Thus, the Imperfect Splendor collection captures and celebrates the extraordinary beauty that arises from imperfection itself. These "imperfectly splendid pieces" have touched and inspired many individuals, serving as a reminder that it is perfectly okay to be imperfect and broken. Moreover, they call upon us to recognize that there is a deeper, rebuilt beauty to be cherished as we embrace the transformative power of the Creator and Redeemer God, allowing Him to redefine and repurpose our journey.
Q. Could you talk about the process of creating and the way of expressing your work?
A. Even to this day, the theme of "Imperfect Splendor" holds a profound place in my creative process as it serves as a daily reminder of our identity in God. Despite the messiness and imperfections that may characterize our lives, our loving Heavenly Father finds delight in His imperfect yet splendid children. The act of painting itself is an exhilarating and liberating experience, allowing me to wholeheartedly let go of control and perfectionism. Through these pieces, I am able to personally experience the freedom and tender touch of God's love for me.
Q. Are there any artists or works that have influenced you?
A. I've come to realize that some of my favorite artists can be found in the art of everyday life. Art, to me, exists in various forms and places. It can be seen in the skillful hands of a barista crafting a beautifully made cup of latte. It can be found in the words of a talented writer, weaving thought-provoking phrases that stir emotions. It reveals itself in the meticulously crafted wooden bench, a testament to the mastery of a skilled carpenter. It blooms harmoniously in the hands of an experienced gardener, creating an ever-evolving tapestry of natural beauty. And it manifests itself in a warm, nutritious, and delicious bowl of homemade soup lovingly prepared by a mother. These everyday artists, with their incredible talents and creations, serve as a constant inspiration for me to pursue my own creative endeavors.
Q. Where do you get the inspiration for your work? (What inspires you, where do the ideas come from?)
A. The wellspring of inspiration is boundless. It can be found in the ever-changing painted canvas of a sunset sky, each day presenting a unique masterpiece. It resides in the graceful and delicate petals of a flower, adorning nature with its perfect hues. It echoes in the grandeur of an ancient tree, standing tall against the tests of time and seasons. It emanates from the vastness of the ocean, compelling us to take deep breaths and embrace its magnitude. Above all, it flows from the Creator of all beauty, the source of our very existence and the giver of abundant life. The Creator's intricate design, spoken word, boundless grace, and unfailing love ignite a fire within me to create visions of heavenly realms and bring forth the essence of abundant life here on earth.
Q. What do you hope that the audience takes away from your art? (What meaning do you give to your works?)
A. In today's world, which can be described as "Light-deficient," I am reminded of the powerful words from John 1:5: "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Through my art, I aspire to be a beacon of hope-filled Light in the midst of a troubled world. A Light that speaks of hope, grace, restoration, and the unwavering and everlasting love of our Heavenly Father. He is continuously at work, bringing forth renewal and transformation in every aspect of our lives: personally, communally, professionally, and in our relationships. This Light is not content with merely offering us an "okay" life; rather, it desires to grant us an abundant, overflowing, unshakeable, and ever-satisfying existence as we journey through this life towards heaven. In my paintings showcased in the exhibition "Journey To Heaven," my intention is for the audience to catch glimpses of the heavenly realm. However, above all, I long for them to experience the profound, unyielding, liberating, never-ending, and steadfast love that God has for each and every one of them on their own personal journey.
Q. What is your dream project? Could you tell us your plans and aspirations as an artist?
A. My dream project encompasses multiple dreams! First and foremost, I aspire to publish a conversational book that combines my art and words, serving as an uplifting source of encouragement for others on their imperfectly splendid journey. Through this book, I hope to inspire and uplift readers, offering a companion that resonates with their experiences and provides solace. Additionally, I envision hosting interdisciplinary exhibitions or conferences in interactive studio spaces. These creative gatherings would allow people to immerse themselves in the world of art, not only as observers but also as active participants. Attendees would have the opportunity to engage with various art forms such as music, poetry, painting, pottery, woodwork, and more. By fostering a collaborative and interactive environment, these events would encourage individuals to express their own creativity, fostering a sense of joy and connection through artistic exploration.
Q. Would you like to add something readers should know about you and your art?
A. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to connect with a global audience through my art. Art is a remarkable transcultural language that holds the power to speak directly to hearts and souls, bypassing barriers and touching lives in profound ways. It is my earnest desire to persist in speaking to people from all corners of the globe, sharing a message of true hope, joy, grace, and love that resonates with the deepest yearnings within us all. Through my art, I aim to inspire and uplift, inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to embrace these universal values and live by them, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity across the world.
Contact
Artist : ChanMi Jung Pyles
E-mail : chanmisartjourney@gmail.com
Instagram : @chanmisartjourney
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