So Youn Lee Visually Balances The Past And Present With Harmony

1xRUN Thru Interview
Harmony by So Youn Lee

1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, was it created solely for this release or was there an original piece created?
So Youn Lee: This piece is named ‘Harmony’ and is 24 x 36 inches. It was created for a show last year, and many have asked me about making prints available. So I expect that this collaboration with 1xRUN would be a great opportunity for those who wanted to purchase a print.

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1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had?
So Youn Lee: The overall theme of my art work is ‘Wonderment of life.’ I love to be surprised or amazed in positive ways in my daily life. This piece is about the moment of re-encountering the part of ourselves that “we haven’t been forgotten,” such as childhood memories. I was surprised about myself that l live on a very linear timeline but can still connect with my childhood beyond the linear timeline. I can even feel the emotions of certain moments as if I’m in the moment again. But I still know that it’s my past. The perception of past and present balancing each other out so well, that’s why I call the painting ‘Harmony.’

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1xRUN: What materials did you use to create this piece?
So Youn Lee: It’s oil on canvas.

1xRun: When was the piece created?
So Youn Lee: August 2014.

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1xRun: Tell us a bit about your process and how the execution came about for this piece?
So Youn Lee: I have different approaches for painting and drawing. For painting, I start from a feeling or mixture of emotions of/about something, and create a composition after that. I feel like the image is already exists on the paper, so I let a mark on the paper lead the mark after. When the initial sketch is ready, I transfer the image to the painting surface. Though I have a sketch of my painting, I try to keep it as simple as I can so that I could work more intuitively. Sometimes I start to paint without drawing. It gives me more of a chance to reveal something unexpected.

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1xRun: How long did this piece take to complete?
So Youn Lee: I would say about a month.

1xRun: What do you feel is unique about this piece?
So Youn Lee: I chose many quiet colors compared to my other pieces since this piece is represents more of a gentle feeling. The colors are very beautifully the way it came out. I’m very happy with it.

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1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
So Youn Lee: It’s a tough feeling sometimes knowing when the original piece is the only one that exists. It would serve only one collector, after its sold. But prints allow more people to enjoy it, and also have a piece of it. I’m very happy with this piece, and hope more people enjoy it’s beauty together in their own surroundings and environments.

1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
So Youn Lee: Whoa.

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1xRun: Where else can people find you?
So Youn Lee: WebsiteFacebookInstagram@soyounlee – Tumblr

-1xRUN