
Heejin has been been drawing for as long as she can remember. She grew up with a serious illness and spent much of her childhood in the hospital. Drawing served as an outlet for her, bringing her peace and distraction. Heejin says there was no doubt as she grew up that she wanted to be an artist. She studied oriental painting extensively as a college student in South Korea and then went on to study art therapy in graduate school.
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About The Artist
Artist Statement
After graduating with a degree in oriental painting, I wanted to share the therapeutic effects of art I experienced as a child with others and so I studied art therapy in graduate school. Throughout my studies, I met with many patients who had emotional scars. By experiencing art with the patients, I began to understand art at a deeper level and my paintings began to be more honest and expressive of my inner-self. Instead of painting simply for aesthetics and beauty, it became more important to me to convey honesty and a quiet image of my soul.
I use Korean mulberry paper and pigments mixed with a glue base. These materials are perfect for preserving the process within the painting itself. Each layer of paint soaks into the paper, adding it’s own influence. I paint the backgrounds with many layers and different colors until I find the shade I am looking for. The solid color backgrounds represent my life and are a new world for the subject of the painting. By taking the subject out of its native environment and placing it in mine, I am able to project my emotions and feelings.
As an artist I will continue to listen to my emotions and quietly tell my story. I want people who see my art to get a glimpse into my soul, my story, and to experience healing.
Artist Background
Dongduk Women's University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2005
Dongguk Graduate School of Culture & Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2008
Hear What Collectors Say About Heejin's Work
Thank you! Im glad you like it. I hope Matthew will grow to love this turtle and indeed be a proud and driven boy. I have a two year old daughter and another one on the way, so I know how important it is to have a nicely decorated nursery. I am so happy my turtle is part of your son's nursery.
We love this piece! We purchased it framed in a blue frame and it looks fantastic. It will hang in the nursery of our recently born son, Matthew. The theme of the nursery is ocean & turtles. Matthew is an only child, and we hope he'll grow up to be "proud & driven" as the artist portrays the turtle in this print.