Jiyung Lee's artistic journey is a captivating exploration of the everyday, where the mundane becomes a canvas for creative expression. Her unique approach to illustration challenges traditional boundaries, blending elements of design, art, and poetry into a distinct visual language. This article delves into Lee's creative process, her inspiration, and the profound impact of her work on the perception of ordinary objects.
A Word, a Grid, and a World of Possibilities
Jiyung Lee's creative process begins with a single word, a spark of inspiration that ignites her imagination. From this word, she constructs a visual narrative, almost like a catalogue layout, but with a poetic twist. This methodical approach is a fascinating insight into her mind, where a simple concept can evolve into a complex and captivating artwork.
"I think of it as a way to explore the potential of a single idea," she explains. "It's like building a world from the ground up, where every element has a purpose and a place." This process is a testament to her meticulous nature, where every detail is carefully considered and executed.
A Journey of Discovery
Lee's educational background is a testament to her curiosity and desire for self-expression. Her studies in South Korea and France exposed her to a diverse range of art forms, from fine art to communication design. This eclectic mix of disciplines has undoubtedly shaped her unique style, allowing her to translate ideas into visual language with ease.
"I wanted to learn the design language to express myself in a new way," she shares. "The small, intimate nature of the French school allowed me to explore various mediums, from printmaking to graphic design. Drawing, however, remained constant, as it is the foundation of my practice." This foundation has enabled her to experiment with different forms, pushing the boundaries of what illustration can be.
The Everyday as Inspiration
Lee's work is a celebration of the ordinary, where everyday objects become the subject of her artistic exploration. Her inspiration stems from the structure and organization of these objects, particularly in market stalls and supermarket flyers. The way fruits, vegetables, and household goods are arranged creates a visual rhythm, almost like a pattern, that captivates her imagination.
"I'm drawn to the way everyday objects are organized and presented," she says. "There's a beauty in the chaos and order of it all." This fascination with the everyday is a powerful statement, challenging the notion that art must be grand or monumental. Lee's work proves that the mundane can be a rich source of inspiration, offering a fresh perspective on the world around us.
The Art of Arrangement
Lee's process involves creating a grid, almost like a catalogue layout, and then drawing each object within its own space. This methodical approach is a fascinating insight into her creative process, where every element has a purpose and a place. Rulers, circle templates, and ellipse guides are used to restrict certain gestures while opening up new and unexpected ones, creating a sense of balance and harmony in her work.
"To find a balance where you remove or add just the right amount so it is recognizable is something I continually enjoy exploring," she says. "It's like a dance, where every line and shape has a purpose." This attention to detail and precision is a hallmark of her style, creating a sense of order and elegance in her work.
A World of Objects, a World of Stories
Lee's bread series is a testament to her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Croissants, baguettes, and buns are arranged across a dark background in warm golds and yellows, each forming a silhouette. The result is a taxonomy of carbohydrates that also reads like a love letter to the boulangerie. Similarly, the insect Riso print is a wild and vivid exploration of nature, with beetles, moths, butterflies, and centipedes pinned across a black base in vivid color.
"I love the texture and color qualities of Risograph printing," she says. "Seeing the digital drawing transformed into something tactile and physical is especially rewarding." These collaborations with print studios showcase her versatility and willingness to experiment with different mediums, pushing the boundaries of what illustration can be.
The Human Touch
A recurring theme in Lee's work is the belief that nothing is ever purely visual. "For me, there is always a human presence behind an object," she explains. "Someone designed it, made it, chose it, used it, arranged it, or left it there. Even the most ordinary item carries traces of intention and everyday life." This perspective adds a layer of depth and meaning to her work, inviting the viewer to consider the stories and experiences behind the objects she illustrates.
A New Perspective on the Everyday
Jiyung Lee's work is a powerful reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places. Her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary is a testament to her creativity and skill. Her work challenges the notion that art must be grand or monumental, proving that the mundane can be a rich source of inspiration. As she continues to explore new forms and mediums, her unique perspective on the everyday will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
