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A Brave Heart Within a Brave Art
“Don’t fear the paint. Let the paint frighten you…”
- Kim
Kim sparked an interest in art after seeing his own mother's drawings which inspired both he and his siblings to become immersed in the art world. Although artistry runs in his family, it wasn't until college that his passion grew and inspired him to create his own masterpieces. When asked what his art style is, Kim said that he's always been into abstract art. "Abstract painting is much easier than hyperrealism—or most kinds of painting, in fact—since there’s less focus on perfection.” Kim continues, “I used to paint hyperrealism and even taught myself to be good at it, but I didn't have the patience for it." He further adds that since he uses acrylic paint, it makes it harder for him to achieve hyperrealism. Taking into account his passion for Interior Design, his work combines artistic styles such as figurative, abstract, and expressionism while exploring other mediums such as sculpture, fabric sculpture and mental venting.
“Art is never finished, only abandoned.” - Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci's empowering and humble words remind Kim that the moments we put a pen to paper, or a brush to canvas, can be some of our most beautiful creations. However, we recognize that perfection is not the end goal, but to express ourselves in ways words cannot.
To create an abstract piece of art, one needs a keen imagination and creative flair. Kim finds the most difficult yet interesting part of the work to be the process of combining different hues, shapes, and textures to create a piece that perfectly captures a specific theme. “Every time I see my blank canvas, this is not the case. I occasionally get bad creativity blocks,” Kim says. It sometimes depends on how he is feeling and how his imagination is working. Biking, playing online games, and listening to podcasts help kickstart his creativity. It also helps that his house is surrounded by beautiful trees and mountains that he can connect with and become inspired by for his future work.
Kim makes up for his lack of patience in hyperrealism with his fiery attitude towards making abstract art. He confidently says, “Don’t fear the paint. Let the paint frighten you. Approaching your work with that perspective, you are unstoppable. With a brush and a canvas as your tools, you are a force to be reckoned with in the art world.”
Kim believes that self-discipline, perseverance, and patience are the fundamental skills needed to become a good abstract artist. We can train our minds and bodies to strengthen areas where we are weak—but we will always gravitate towards what truly ignites us. For Kim, his love of abstract painting is what inspires him to put a brush on canvas, creating a masterpiece.
Drawn to the masterpieces of Elmer Borlongan and Henrik Aarrestad Uldalen, Kim looks forward to the day when his artworks would also serve as an inspiration to budding artists like him.
Kim was chosen for the breadth and depth of his work, reflecting current social issues through his captivating storytelling. He is adaptable and very eager to learn new artistic techniques. His ultimate goal is to use his art to express himself, inspire others, and demonstrate art as a viable career.