My work can essentially be seen as a visual journal. The watercolor paintings, in particular, are memories that I struggle to capture. They are inspired by the look of movie stills/screenshots. Past experiences continually play out in my mind like scratched old films. Bits and pieces will come to me often at the strangest, most unexpected times, and I see it as my job to piece the puzzle together.

I try to use my eyes like a camera, focusing or zooming in on particular details like the subtle shine of a leather belt, a tiny birthmark on someone’s face, or a sagging fold of a woman’s blouse. I wish to capture mystery, sadness, danger and isolation. The viewer may feel a desire to observe, but also a sense that they have intruded on a private moment.

In using charcoal to attain the most intense blacks, I hope to evoke the dramatic lighting of film noir. The ominous shadows combined with cropping assists in projecting an unsettling feeling.

Throughout art school, I have experimented with many different sizes and arrangements, and my work continues to evolve. However, my underlying focus remains unchanged: an honest presentation of what it means to be me.

 

The Looking Glass is accepting submissions for possible publication. Send your photography, illustrations and artwork to eric@koreamjournal.com.