Please describe your work:
My work reflects my memories and important moments, expressed through symbols and objects I observe. Each piece captures the essence of these memories, inviting viewers to explore their own emotions and connections to the past and present.
What is your background and training?
For over 20 years, I’ve been dedicated to the art of enameling. My journey began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalwork and Jewelry from Seoul National University in Korea, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Metals from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These experiences have shaped me into the artist I am today.
What is your favorite tool. How does it affect your work?
My favorite artistic tool is my iPad and Apple Pencil. They enable me to swiftly capture moments of inspiration and effortlessly develop ideas, while also allowing me to apply colors with precision.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m creating artwork inspired by 18th and 19th-century handkerchiefs and embroideries, highlighting women’s roles in a historical context. I aim to depict the traditional gender divide in education and caregiving, contrasting women’s domestic roles with men’s educational opportunities. Through innovative techniques, I reinterpret these themes in a contemporary context, exploring the evolution of gender roles.
Has your practice changed much over time? Do you experiment a lot or do you work within a specific set of parameters?
What are your inspirations and biggest influences?
As an artist, I am inspired by the captivating color compositions of painter Mark Rothko and the enigmatic realms of surrealist art. Rothko sought to evoke deep emotional responses through his exploration of color, while the surrealist movement’s skill in infusing visual elements with profound symbolism and emotion has always intrigued me. Their artworks serve as enduring evidence of art’s profound influence, showcasing its ability to convey potent messages and elicit intense emotional responses, thus highlighting the lasting impact of artistic expression.
My artistic practice has indeed evolved over time, constantly adapting to my changing interests and ongoing research. While I maintain a consistent process of generating idea sketches and gathering inspiration, I actively explore new techniques to visualize my art in more effective and concise ways. This ongoing experimentation allows me to push the boundaries of my creativity while remaining grounded within a specific set of parameters that I’ve refined through experience.
What are some current trends you see in enameling and how do you feel about them?
The current trends in enameling reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of enameling as an art form. While some traditional techniques remain timeless, the experimentation and innovation happening within the enameling community are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this medium. I am excited to see where it leads in the future.
What is the best piece of enameling advice you’ve ever gotten?
As an experienced enamelist, the best advice I have ever gotten is to prioritize your work ethic. Enameling requires patience, perseverance, and a deep understanding of materials and processes. Embrace the challenges and don’t give up. Mastery takes time, but with dedication, you’ll unlock the beauty of this ancient craft.
Describe your teaching style. What is the most exciting part of teaching for you?
My teaching style is focused on clear objectives for each lecture and a learner-centered approach. I provide detailed information, visual aids, step-by-step demonstrations, and address individual needs. I prioritize repetition until every student is confident in their understanding. The most exciting part for me is seeing students grasp concepts and grow in confidence as they master new skills.
Who are your favorite artists/enamelists? (what are your most important influences)
One of my favorite enamelists is June Schwarcz for her inventive approaches to enameling and spiritual quality. I also must mention the master enamelist Linda Darty’s influence on my enameling journey. Linda set a stepping stone for me to enter this fascinating enameling world. I’m inspired by how she captures the essence of nature.
Do you have a dream project that you’ve always wanted to do?
Over the years, my research on painting enameling has grown immensely, and I’ve always dreamed of sharing it with the art community through books, videos, and articles. This exciting project is set to kick off during my Fulbright US Scholar term for 2024-2025, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
Please tell us about the workshop you will be offering at the EGNE conference.
I will be teaching two different workshops, one before the conference and one after. The pre-conference workshop will focus on “Drawing on Enameled Copper,” covering essential drawing techniques and methods for transferring drawings onto enameled copper using graphite pencils, overglaze pencils, and pen ink. Meanwhile, the post-conference workshop will delve into “Painting on Enameled Copper,” exploring essential painting techniques and ways to transfer images onto enameled copper using overglaze paints. You may view examples of student work for my workshop at this link: https://www.misookhur.com/workshop