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Hanji (한지) is traditional Korean paper made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree, called Dak (닥). Artisans soak, boil, and beat the bark fibers, then lift them onto a bamboo screen in thin, even layers. The result is a paper that is strong, breathable, and can last for centuries — some hanji documents have survived over a thousand years. Its texture is soft but tough,
with a natural, warm ivory color that artists love for both painting and calligraphy.
Meok (먹) is Korean ink, traditionally made by burning pine soot or oil and binding it with animal glue into a solid stick. To use it, the artist grinds the ink stick against a stone with a little water, slowly building up the ink until it reaches the right depth of black. This slow, meditative process lets the artist control the ink's tone. When Meok (먹) is used on hanji, the paper absorbs the ink in a soft, spreading way, giving brushstrokes a living, breathing quality that is central to Korean ink painting and calligraphy.
Hyeongjeseom (Brother Islands)
101 x 27.5 in. Hanji and moek
Off the coast of Jeju Island in Korea, there are many small rocky islands. Among them are the Brothers Islands. I wonder why not ‘Couple Islands’?. Personally, I like the name “Brothers Islands” better. According to legend, two brothers who shared a deep bond lost their lives while trying to save each other in a storm at sea. In honor of their bond, heaven turned them into two islands facing one another. Different in size and shape, the two islands seem to quietly face each other like two brothers. I found something warm and tender in that image, and I wanted to paint them.
SeopSeom (Forest Island) I
8 x 14 in. Hanji and moek
SeopSeom (Forest Island) II
8 x 14 in. Hanji and moek
Off the coast of Jeju Island in Korea, there are many small rocky islands. Among them are the Forest Islands.
Last year, I was asked to paint Seopseom. Since the final work would be large enough to cover an entire wall,
I decided to begin with a smaller study before taking on the large-scale piece.
Maria
24 x 44 in. Korean watercolor, Hanji and meok
When I read the Bible, I often encounter passages I do not fully understand. This painting grew out of one of them.
When Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary, Martha was busy preparing for Him and His twelve disciples, while Mary simply sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His words. Frustrated, Martha asked Jesus to tell her sister to help. Yet Jesus gently affirmed Mary, saying that she had chosen what was better.
I have often been like Martha—busy, restless, and constantly moving from one thing to another. In fact, I became even busier after I began going to church. But now, I want to make a different choice. Like Mary, I want to sit at Jesus’ feet, listen, and be present before Him.
The cushion beneath Mary is one I designed, inspired by Proverbs 31 and its description of the virtuous woman—capable and hardworking, yet also someone who creates beauty for herself. I, too, want to sit on a beautiful cushion and listen to Jesus.
The model is a professional dancer and was six months pregnant at the time. I was grateful for the quiet expression she brought to Mary, which gracefully captured the spirit I hoped to portray.
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