“Korean Tapestry” –  36” x 36” x 3” – $3200

This year is the centenary of the birth of composer Leonard Bernstein. Even if you aren’t a fan of classical music (the genre where he built most of his fame), his “West Side Story” composition is a universal favorite. I cut my clothing design teeth on that production in high school. I was head of the costume design team during my junior year when the school I attended produced that musical for its spring extravaganza.

With so much publicity around Bernstein this year, I learned even more about his life and working style than I’d previously known. We are polar opposites in how we work and create. He was a collaborator extraordinaire who did his best when communicating and putting together work using the talents of several artists. I, on the other hand, work best in a quiet, solitary atmosphere. Sometimes I don’t even turn on the music I typically enjoy. I get so immersed in creating my artwork I almost forget where I am. As stated in my bio, it is not uncommon for me to feel like I have run a marathon due to the amount of concentration and focus I use throughout the day.

“Korean Tapestry” detail

From what I have read about Bernstein, his creative sessions were boisterous and full of a different type of energy, surrounded by several people working in unison. Yet, that is where our differences  end. Both of our work has the layers and complexities it takes to keep art timely and endlessly fascinating. Every time I listen to one of Bernstein’s compositions I hear something new.

I strive for this same goal: Each time a person gazes at one of my Joomchi creations, my goal is that there will be some nuance that catches their eye. The featured artwork, “Korean Tapestry,” is an example of using two layers of Hanji, multiple cuts in the paper, and calligraphy – giving the eye many places to rest. Either from the way light hits the paper or one layer looking a bit different from the other, there will always be a new challenge to the viewer that keeps the work fresh and interesting.

Please visit my portfolio to see more examples of techniques I use in my artwork to keep viewers coming back for another fresh look!