Lacey Kim: Studio Visit
“Currently, my studio space is located fairly high up and this allows me to look at the breathtaking sunset. It feels like the whole sun is entering the space. I can’t possibly think of doing anything else at this time of day but appreciating it and bringing it to the canvas.”
INTERVIEW WITH LACEY KIM AND LAURA DAY WEBB
SEJONG CITY, SOUTH KOREA
What is your approach to starting a new work?
Whenever I start a new work, I tend to follow the flow of where I am at then. I don't particularly plan for each painting rather I try to be at the moment I could feel and sense. My work is not quite about thinking but rather about letting myself present through intuitive gestures on canvas. Each element for the work such as color, composition, shape, and so on has rather played a role in assisting and coming along the natural process of how the work speaks for itself. Just as I breathe before I even think and recognize it, my work begins by applying a primary color onto a blank canvas followed by drawing lines on it one after another. That first step leads to the next layer and the iterative process creates the whole painting in the end.
As I walk along the stream and happen to look up at the sky, I realize the color is never the same and I could experience this miracle every day. I of course can’t help but want to reflect on this, painting on a mundane but unique everyday life.
Do you listen to music when you are working and what do you listen to?
Yes. Whenever I work on paintings, I listen to something, and it happens to be music most of the time. I would say I listen to any kind from classical music to Korean indie music. These days I’ve been into Chet Baker, the jazz saxophonist, and his voice is particularly intriguing to my ears. From learning his life, I even engaged with him and his music more. I tend to completely fall for it when I’m into something, and I can definitely listen to the same song for hours or even all day when it comes to music. When I enjoy music that gives me unexpected, pleasant surprises while making art, I sometimes feel like I’m experiencing a different dimension.
What role does your studio space play in your practice?
Currently, my studio space is located fairly high up, like the twentieth floor and faces west and this allows me to look at the breathtaking sunset scenes. It feels like the whole sun is entering the space and like I'm right in front of it. Right before the sun goes down, I can't possibly think of anything but appreciating this time of day, and as I realize this show repeats every day, I encourage myself to bring it to canvas. This kind of experience makes me so appreciate the space I have.
Are there any elements or objects in your studio setup that have special significance to you and your practice?
I’m normally working on a few paintings together at the same time since I use oil as the main material and it needs enough time to dry. Even though I try to evenly distribute time for each painting, I still get some time to do other activities like reading and meditation in the end. I placed a meditation cushion on the floor across the painting workshop and this puts me in a more comfortable relaxed position. A small tea table at the main window helps me to read and enjoy some tea and coffee every day as well.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on four different paintings in the same size of 40 by 50inches, and I use oil for these works. The colors of these paintings are somewhat related to each other, which might reflect the status of my mind. These paintings will be shown at my upcoming show and I’m also planning to work on a bigger painting of 50 by 120 inches, right after these paintings.
How did you come about your current studio? Any interesting, funny, dramatic, inspiring stories to share?
I came back to my home country South Korea last May. A few months before I relocated, my brother was assigned to work in a different city for two years, so his apartment remained empty during that time and luckily, I could use this as my studio. This place has 3 small rooms and I’ve been using two for my paintings as storage and the whole living room and kitchen area have become working spots for paintings. I will probably move somewhere like Seoul for other opportunities like residencies (hopefully), but until then I can totally use this place and it’s fun. This city is quite young as it was built for government functions like D.C. in the U.S. about 15years ago and was built while preserving the nature of the city. Whenever I want, I come down from my studio place on the 20th floor to the first floor to jog or run on the trail alongside a stream and when I come back enjoy the light in the studio while painting.