In the Studio with Artist Jiwoo Shin
Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Jiwoo Shin. Jiwoo's artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Her Ideas, Her Stories: Women Artists Gallery exhibit.
Looking at Jiwoo Shin’s work is an experience. There is so much color, life and movement within each one. She utilizes bold brush strokes combined with intense color that create these individual abstract worlds. By layering, adding, removing, and blending her medium, you can see each paintings’ history, bringing you on a journey through her process.
Here’s Jiwoo talking about her art, process and experience...
How would you describe your style of work?
I would describe my style of work as being calculated yet intuitive. It is also very process-based as I am constantly adding, removing, layering and blending collectively, as a way of revealing my subconscious to the viewer.
Tell me about your favorite medium.
Masking fluid is my favorite material to work with. I go through this process of not only adding paint to the canvas but also removing it, peeling it, revealing the layers beneath and showing the history of my paintings. I use the masking fluid to mask off the areas that I want to unveil, and when I remove it, when I peel it off, it is like I am exfoliating. Just like when you’re removing the dead skin from your body, it acts as a way of purifying the colors and intensifying the contrast.
What characteristic(s) about your personality shows through your art?
I think being fast with my mark making and being brave, bold and rough with the paint reflects my personality. The movement in my pieces show how dynamic my marks can be. Therefore these bold gestures and vibrant colors and formal elements are just another layer on the surface that becomes a depiction of myself.
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I am from Korea, born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. My vibrant colors are influenced by the tropical and urban environment of my two distinctive cultures. Whether it is calculated or not, I believe these influences of culture are subconsciously reflected in my work.
How have your life experiences influenced your aesthetic style?
The color palettes are often inspired by everyday life experiences, often from nature, and I think for me they subconsciously come from my personal background, and the environment around me.
What's your biggest barrier to being a female artist? How do you address it?
Female artists were so overlooked in the past. They were forgotten due to their gender, ethnicity, or social standing. Because of this, there is this feeling that people might still think that women aren’t capable of achieving artistic greatness, as much as men. However, having that perspective of not feeling isolated and being constantly inspired by great women artists allows me to feel grateful for being a woman.
Do you think there’s a double standard in the industry?
I think there is still a long way for women to experience true equality. These standards are still affected in healthcare, parenting and workforce.
What are your biggest motivations?
Working with paint is such a satisfying experience. The feeling of painting, getting the hands on experience and being painterly is my motivation to continue to make work.
How do you market yourself and your work?
I have a website of all my work archives and exhibitions. Being active on instagram is also an effective way to market myself to the world.
When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?
Having meaningful conversations with other fellow artists is the best way to clear my thoughts about my work. These conversations help me reevaluate and reflect on myself and my work.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am working on a large-scale painting project of at least 6 feet. Big scale works are a challenge because the larger space creates a different feeling and each mark becomes a different experience when compared with marks on smaller works.
What did you have to develop, try or learn to create your artwork?
Developing my own personal process or routine of making. My work is process-driven, with several thoughts on the go and no end point in mind. This opens up each work for space to develop its own unique history.
How do you prepare to start a new piece? (do you have a ritual, do research, sketch it out, talk it out…)
I make sketches through charcoal and graphite drawings, which are mostly compositional studies. These sketches help me create the basic foundation of the direction I want the piece to face.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Joan Mitchell
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
The best thing about being an artist is being able to constantly think about making new work. Because our work is constantly evolving, there are so many possibilities for new discoveries.
For more information on Jiwoo and her artwork, check her out on instagram @jiwooshin_art
or on her website.
Hal Gomer Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10am-1pm ( starting on January 15, 2022)
*Visitors are required to call ahead to reserve a time to view the exhibit. Please call CAC’s main office at 410-636-6597 during our business hours Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00pm to reserve a date and time. Visitors will be checked in upon arrival and masks are required to enter the gallery and CAC building.
