Today we’d like to introduce you to Youngsook Park
Hi Youngsook, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am an Impressionist painter specializing in cityscapes, as well as a gallerist. When I was six years old, my mother took me to a private artist’s atelier, and that’s where my journey of learning and creating art began. Back then, parents often wished for their children to pursue more financially stable careers rather than becoming artists. But as the youngest in my family, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to follow my passion. Thanks to their support, I was able to study art and become a painter, with formal education in Korea, Paris, and New Mexico. After immigrating to the United States with my family, I continued my work as an artist. Eventually, I taught at University of New Mexico CE for 9years. I started a gallery to provide exhibition spaces for my artist friends from Korea. It’s been nearly 18 years since I embarked on this gallery journey, which has been both an exciting and professional adventure.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After immigrating as an adult, I faced many challenges due to language barriers. However, I have been able to adapt well through the universal language of art and the empathy it fosters. Art has become a powerful tool for understanding and communication, transcending borders and languages.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an urban landscape artist, I capture the beauty and emotions of the cities I encounter during my travels by using knife painting techniques to create texture and Impressionist touches to bring the scenes to life. I hope that viewers, through my work, can recall their own travel memories and be inspired with dreams and hopes for future journey. I plan to continue drawing inspiration from new places and presenting an even more diverse range of works in the future.
One of my signature pieces, titled ‘Miniature,’ is composed of 25 to 50 small 6×6 canvases combined into a unified work. This piece is a harmonious blend of various colors, where each canvas portrays the unique characteristics of different cities through color and form, leaving a distinctive impression both individually and as part of the whole.
Additionally, my ‘Hope Series’ conveys a message of hope for regions facing challenges, contrasted against the beauty of other places. In this series, the grayish-blue color represents despair, but the gradually brightening light symbolizes hope. This light spreads throughout the village, illustrating the transformation into a beautiful and livable place. For instance, Gamcheon Village in Korea was once a refugee settlement, facing the threat of demolition due to urban development. However, artists began to move in, creating sculptures and murals, and establishing ateliers and workshops, transforming it into a beautiful tourist destination. Inspired by this transformation, I chose to depict favelas as a model for my work.
What makes you happy?
Every time I sit in front of a blank canvas and pick up my brush, a deep tremor stirs within me. It is this joy and excitement that drives me to paint. And when I discuss and explain my work, I truly feel alive.
Pricing:
- 295.00
- 20000
- 3600
- 1900
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pfineart.com and www.youngsookpark.com
- Instagram: @youngsookp and @parkfineart
