My journey as an artist began the moment I could hold a pen and scribble on paper. Since then, art became my lifelong companion. And as any good companion does, it tells my story even better than I ever could. This exhibit presents my thought processes behind each piece as letters addressed to 'Art', reflecting on the past 18 years we spent on this winding, curious journey together.

Dear Art, 

I will admit this phase of our journey was a pretty rough patch, and I think you know that, too. The loneliness of the pandemic held me in a stagnant state — limbo. But, I reached my hand out in the hopes that someone would hold it, and you did. It reminds me how you accompanied me in my ponderings of the unknown future, my identity, and my worth.

Dear Art, 

I remember being in a much better headspace at this point in time. A period of deep reflection when we explored what being an artist meant, and how it plays into my larger identity. We depicted an endless cycle of me creating and being created simultaneously. After all, the artist creates the art, but the art is what makes the person an artist.

Dear Art, 

Aren't the historical sites in Korea just beautiful? It makes me rethink where anyone truly begins or ends. These ancient buildings surrounded by today's cityscape make me wonder: am I also continually changing with the times? Am I still preserved at the core? Should a person or place change with the times or preserve its historical roots? Should art?

Dear Art, 

The message we wrote together that I hoped to send to my younger self, peaceful and vibrant, just like I remember. My reality and dreamy imaginations amalgamated into a vision that I could finally do justice at this point in my life. This piece marked a new phase in my contemplation, stepping back from the black-and-white view and focusing on the brighter hues of the world around me.

Dear Art, 

We started looking to the world for inspiration, noticing things we couldn’t before. Most importantly, other people and their stories. When I asked her, Grandma said her biggest dream was to go horseback riding on an endless plain. An exhilarating idea, isn’t it? Here, she looks off into the distance; what is she thinking? Where is she headed?

 

Dear Art, 

How do we represent the everlasting bond between two entities? A love that leads to joy, that lasts beyond time or memory? The Saguaro cactus is a symbol of perseverance due to its long lifespan. The elderly couple focuses on their enduring love and are able to smile, overcoming their age and fading memories together.

Dear Art, 

How do we capture the essence of a person in a painting? In this piece, I wanted to capture who my mom is through the colors in her closet. The colors people wear can reveal a lot about who they are. Three seamstresses stitch a colorful representation of my mother: calm and meticulous, like a deep blue hue, yet bold and unwavering, like a bright yellow or red.

Dear Art, 

You stood by me through my worst struggles, my deepest, fundamental changes in perspective, and my growth to become who I am today: an artist who strives to understand both herself and the people around her. I do hope this journey continues on for a long time to come. Thank you. 

Yours truly, 

Emma