Humanity Typeface
45 in x 22 in x 3 in
I created an interchangeable alphabet made of human body parts to demonstrate that despite our external differences, we are all made of the same thing. As I arranged each letter with a unique combination of anatomical elements, I began thinking about how we as human beings make endless combinations of letters and words to communicate our thoughts to each other. My "Humanity Alphabet" celebrates this connection that makes us all so special.
Illustration board, acrylic paint, Adobe Photoshop
Am I Dreaming?
24 in x 18 in
In "Am I Dreaming?" reflects my childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player and the dedication that the sport itself helped me build. Looking back to the physical and mental challenges that still appear in my dreams, I aim to reveal how early ambitions can still affect me on the inside. Through graphite, charcoal and pastel on toned paper, I tried to establish the blur of consciousness, unconsciousness, and coping with unrealized goals.
Graphite and white pastel pencil on toned paper
Meditation Space
26 in x 16 in x 17 in
I was inspired by a visit to Mountain San in Korea, where I experienced the meditation areas and felt a profound sense of calm and connection. This led me to create 'Meditation Space' here in New Jersey, specifically along the Palisades Parkway, as a place where people can meditate in a secluded natural environment. The space encourages mindfulness, solitude, and a deeper connection to nature and the surrounding environment in the midst of our busy schedules.
Wood panels, balsa wood sticks, foam board, mixed media paper
Figure Study
18 in x 24 in
This is a twenty minute figure study of my mother made with compressed charcoal on newsprint paper.
Charcoal on newsprint
My Daily Clock
24 in x 20 in x 2 in
Through grappling with my dreams and my emerging self identity, I realized that so much of my actual lived experience is compartmentalized by scheduled activities. "My Daily Clock" addresses this realization by combining some of my most pressing schedules into a cohesive clock. Rather than isolated numbers to tell the time, I wanted to show that these sometimes dreaded and sometimes loved activities combine to form the person that I am and will become. Although I struggled with the mechanics of constructing my three dimensional piece around the components of an actual working clock, I am happy with the results as it ultimately captures my portrait in terms of my actions.
Illustration board, bristol paper, acrylic paint, clock hands
Tension Between Light and Form
10 in x 40 in x 36 in
For this piece I was inspired by the concept of the dynamic connection between structure and perception. I wanted to create two studies that serve as a dialogue as different directions of light produce new and unexpected silhouettes and compositions. I aimed to express this through expressive, abstract shapes creating the sense of movement and tension between the forms.
Illustration board, balsa wood sticks, strings, wood board
My Journey
18 in x 24 in
For this piece, it shows me climbing life's hills, not willing to give up, and pushing beyond my limits despite the challenges that will be in the way. Although life involves a lot of luck (represented by the dice) every step requires genuine determination for personal growth.
Pastel pencil on craft paper
My Winding Paths
36 in x 40 in x 36 in
This piece is about navigating, adapting, and growing through new chapters in my life. I decided to orporate structural elements from Korean characters that spell out "past" and "future" in order to capture the concept of moving through the momentum of time. I wanted to create a mazelike network of stairs symbolizing the sometimes confusing path that awaits my future. All of this leads to the vertical structure where my silhouetted figure confronts the unknown.
Illustration board, bristol paper