We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Esther Park. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Esther below.

Alright, Esther thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

In 2023, my work was sold for the first time at the international graduate show 2023 held in the Netherlands, marking a pivotal moment where I felt acknowledged and rewarded as an artist. This exhibition stands out as a platform where the final exhibitors are meticulously selected through fierce competition among metal craft students graduating globally, each recommended by their professors. Instead of conventional jewelry crafted from pricey metals or gemstones, my chosen piece was a brooch crafted from discarded receipts, conveying a powerful message that the conceptual meaning within an object can transcend its material value. Representing Dankook University’s Department of Metal Crafts, this selection was a significant honor for me.

Participating in an overseas exhibition for the first time, I embarked on this journey meticulously filling out paperwork and determining pricing, feeling a blend of nervousness and excitement. Throughout the exhibition, the joy escalated as I witnessed people’s reactions to my work through Instagram posts and glimpses of the exhibition space. Reflecting on the extensive time and effort invested in refining the design and finishing techniques, particularly with the unconventional material of receipts, filled me with immense pride.

Receiving the news of my work being sold at the exhibition’s conclusion brought overwhelming happiness. It validated my identity as an artist and fueled my determination, knowing that someone across the globe found value in my creation enough to invest in it. This recognition serves as a driving force, motivating me to persevere through any challenges encountered during the production process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I use a unique methodology to create jewelry by transforming materials that have lost their function and value into new accessory forms. My work goes beyond the mere functionality of accessories by encapsulating the meaning, effort, and time of the creator, surpassing materialistic value. If you’re curious about the birth of new life from seemingly trash-like pieces, keep an eye on my creations.
If you’re curious about receipts, plastic forks, plastic bottles, and what comes next, stay tuned!

I graduated with honors in Metal and Fiber Craft from Dankook University which is located in South Korea, and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Tyler 3D CAD CAM. Starting with a group exhibition in 2018, I have consistently and actively continued my artistic endeavors through six exhibitions. In particular, in 2023, I exhibited two pieces at The 37th Marzee International Graduate Show 2023, hosted by Marzee Gallery. In 2024, I participated in Munich Jewelry Week, held in Germany, where I exhibited a ring and bangle made from recycled plastic forks and aluminum cans. Additionally, I competed in the Battle of the Ring event held in Seattle, USA, where my plastic fork ring was selected among 62 others. Through Instagram, I garnered support from numerous followers as I competed with other rings.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

While serving as the department representative for the third year and chairing the Graduation Preparation Committee for the fourth year, I recall facing various seemingly insurmountable obstacles. One particular challenge stands out: a conflict with the exhibition manager who prohibited us from using the exhibition venue just three months before our scheduled exhibition, despite having signed the contract a year prior. It seemed the manager intended to profit by forcing students to use a specific barrier company they preferred. Despite numerous phone calls and attempts at persuasion, the manager remained adamant about the prohibition, even suggesting our professors find an alternative venue. It felt like hitting a dead end, with no apparent solution in sight. However, rather than giving up, I sought solutions.

I convened a meeting with the five members of the Graduation Preparation Committee to brainstorm cost-saving measures. We discovered that another university had a graduation exhibition scheduled for a different period at the same venue. I reached out to their representatives, proposing cooperation to address the issue. Through discussions using Rhino software to anticipate 3D barrier placement, we negotiated a joint agreement with the same company, saving $210 per person from the anticipated $800 cost. Additionally, we secured partial promotional funding from metal material suppliers, further reducing operational expenses.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of effective teamwork and leadership. It taught me that even seemingly unsolvable problems can be overcome through collaboration and seeking assistance from others.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Deciding to study abroad during the winter break of my fourth year of college was the biggest turning point in my life. During the three years of studying metal and fiber techniques, I became fascinated with crafts, particularly the raising technique in metalwork. The process of shaping metal with the movement of a hammer, communicating with tiny muscles and cells, intrigued me. I found it enjoyable to witness solid metal transforming into the desired shape through hammering. This experience led me to pursue graduate school, and I made the decision to challenge myself in the land of opportunity, the United States. My senior year was incredibly challenging. To study abroad, I needed to receive my basic English test scores and prepare a portfolio showcasing my artistic abilities. It felt like being whipped and pushed to the edge of a cliff. Falling short by one point, I retook an English exam that cost 300,000 won, and after completing my graduation exhibition, I spent every day in an empty studio working on my craft. Eventually, I succeeded in gaining admission to Tyler 3D Metals Jewelry. Now, I am in the United States, with the opportunity to interview as a artist. If I hadn’t made the decision to study abroad two years ago and persisted through the difficult English exams and portfolio preparations, my life would have taken a different path. Through this significant turning point in my life, I have gained a sense of achievement and belief in myself, which I am confident will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pesd1645.wixsite.com/metalsmith
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkesther_craft/?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/