This conversation marks the fourth interview in Defining Moments, Chapter Two: "The Artist’s Muse : What Inspires You"
The stiff friction of windshield wipers, the beating pulse of an engine, and the subtle rebound felt when pressing the accelerator—artist Woojun Lee discovers new narratives connecting human beings and the world amid these mundane motions of physical movement. Once captivated by the vivid colors and clear contours of nature, his gaze has shifted toward the fleeting sensory changes found in everyday life. For him, a muse does not reside in distant destinations or special environments but rather in those mechanical sensations we encounter daily—moments that suddenly take on the inevitability of art.
Having long explored the layered relationships within landscapes through a series-based approach, the artist now turns his attention to the independent potential of the single image. For him, cars and trains are more than mere means of transport; they serve as physical conduits that mediate between the self and the surrounding world. The positive stimulations of daily life—those that burst forth like lightning in the dark—transform, through his lens, into luminous records of light that illuminate both the familiar and the unseen.
In this interview, Lee opens up about his quiet routine of walking and recording each day, his steady interaction with the landscape, and his steadfast artistic standards that allow change only when met with a deep inner resonance. Returning from a longing for unfamiliar places to the rediscovery of the everyday, he reflects on the deeper layers of sensory experience and his open attitude toward artistic expansion beyond the boundaries of photography. Through his words, this piece delicately traces the invisible threads of connection that have sustained his creative practice.
Preserving the vivid tone of the artist’s voice while carefully refining the aesthetic intent beneath it, this record offers an intimate passage into understanding Woojun Lee’s artistic universe. May it inspire readers to discover their own muse in the small, passing landscapes that quietly surround them. Now, let us step gently into the artist’s story of scenery and connection.
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Q. Thank you for joining us today—it's wonderful to meet you. I'd love to begin by hearing about you and your practice. How would you introduce yourself as an artist, and what work are you currently engaged with?
A. Hello, I’m Woojun Lee, and I mainly work with photography. My work explores the relationships that connect humans and the world through the medium of landscape. I believe that each scene is layered with traces of personal experiences and complex elements that overlap to form what we perceive as a landscape. Recently, I have been focusing on the idea that physical movement itself is an act that bridges humans and the world, and I am exploring the stories of landscapes encountered within that movement.
In the past, my work often took the form of series-based projects, but lately I’ve become interested in the possibilities that a single, independent photograph can hold. Thus, I am working on both individual images and series simultaneously, seeking the points where these two approaches create distinctly different sensory experiences.
Q. What is the main source of inspiration for your current work? When did this particular muse first become meaningful to you, and can you describe that initial encounter?
A. These days, I focus on small phenomena that can be found in everyday life, and many of my ideas come from such moments. In the past, I was mainly inspired by nature’s vivid colors and distinct forms, but recently I’ve become more deeply interested in the subtle stimuli and sensory changes that occur in daily life.
Lately, I’ve had more opportunities to think while driving. Inside the car, I began to notice so many details—the rough friction sound of the windshield wipers, tire marks, the hum of the engine, the voice of the navigation, the tension of the seatbelt, and the gentle rebound of the accelerator. Not only cars, but also airplanes and high-speed trains have come to appear different to me. Among these experiences, I was particularly drawn to their role as means of physical connection. I held a solo exhibition on this theme last September.
The process of discovering phenomena in everyday life and seeking out their meaning—that, to me, is the source of my inspiration.
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Facing waterfalls
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moss
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Ready for across
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| Rain on glass |
Q. When you first discovered this source of inspiration, what emotions did you experience? How did it change your artistic direction or working methods afterward?
A. The subtle stimuli found in everyday life evoke in me a warm emotion—one that feels truly alive in the world. In fact, realizing that each day is not filled with constant, intense sensations has allowed me to perceive and understand the world more fully. I came to see that the most meaningful scenes are often the ones closest to me.
After realizing that travel and rare, extraordinary experiences are also part of the everyday landscape, I began carrying my camera with me more often and photographing much more. It helped me let go of some of my fixed ideas about the subjects I observe.
Q. How does your muse typically appear to you—as visual images, sounds, spatial feelings, or particular emotions? Could you describe its specific characteristics or qualities in detail?
A. Personally, I think of it as an intense light—like lightning flashing in the dark. Within the vastness of the universe, human beings are indeed small existences. Yet the sensations and emotions we experience possess tremendous power, and when they burst forth, they illuminate everything around us. Just as our mood brightens and we feel happiness when the weather or atmosphere suits us, these positive stimuli in everyday life surely light up both ourselves and the world around us.
Q. Has your relationship with your muse evolved over time? Are there aspects that have deepened or new dimensions you've discovered that you'd like to share?
A. In the past, I used to believe that a muse could only be found in special moments or unfamiliar environments. I often traveled far in search of new stimulation. But as time passed, I came to realize that this presence had always been close—quietly residing within my everyday life. Understanding this has allowed me to be moved more easily by small moments and to learn how to find inspiration within the ordinary.
Q. Do you have any intentional activities or routines for connecting with inspiration? Conversely, when inspiration doesn't come easily, how do you handle those periods?
A. I try to go outside and walk every day. Even the scenes I see daily begin to interact differently with me as I keep walking, depending on my own state of mind and the condition of the landscape. I observe, perceive, and sense those moments—and then leave them behind as records.
Q. How do you balance staying true to your core inspiration while also allowing room for growth and change? Have there been times when you've had to choose between following your muse and meeting external expectations?
A. I choose to pursue expansion and change only when something resonates deeply within me. This attitude is closely tied to how I approach my work and my art. Because of that, it often takes me some time before I can move toward change. However, once I make a decision based on these clear personal standards, it becomes all the more solid. It is my own way of moving forward with steadiness and making choices that I believe are right.
Q. Thank you so much for sharing such thoughtful insights with us today. As we conclude our conversation, Looking ahead, in what direction do you think your muse will develop or expand? Are there new territories of inspiration you're eager to explore, and what draws you to them?
A. I have been trying to discover small phenomena within everyday scenes while exploring the balance between nature and human beings, and to begin my work from those points. The themes I pursue, the places where I find inspiration, and the ways I work may change in the future, but I intend not to ignore whatever draws my interest at each stage of my life, instead exploring it deeply and carrying it through into my practice. For now, I mainly work with photography as my medium, but I remain open to the possibility of expansion. I believe it is simply a matter of waiting for my heart to move. I sincerely appreciate your time and attention.
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Contact
Artist : Woojun Lee(이우준)
Instagram : @leewoojunorg
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