We recently connected with Minji Kang-Watrous and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Minji, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, living with my parents until my early 20s. When I moved to the US for an internship as part of my degree in hospitality, the plan was to return to Korea and pursue a career in the hotel industry. However, my journey took a different path, leading me to embrace my true passion for the creative arts.

Reflecting on my upbringing, one of the most significant things my parents did right was striking a perfect balance between freedom and discipline. They were not overly strict, allowing me the space to explore and express myself. This freedom was instrumental in nurturing my creative spirit, even though I initially chose a more conventional career path in hospitality. Which I chose bc I saw it on a K-Drama that was popular at the time, lol.

When I told my mom how much I loved creating art and that I wanted to pursue an art career, she was not happy. Ironically, she was the one who taught me everything about hanji art, a traditional Korean paper art. Despite her initial resistance, her tough love and teaching had a profound impact on me. You know how the story goes – when someone tells you not to do something, it only makes you want to do it more. I had to see it for myself, and I have no regrets. My parents, especially my mom, gave me the foundation I needed to pursue my passion. Her tough love and the hanji techniques she taught me—and continues to teach me even after 20 years—are things I carry with me to this day. Their unwavering belief in me, combined with the life skills they instilled, played a crucial role in my journey to the creative field I am passionate about today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Minji Kang-Watrous, and I am a contemporary hanji artist. My signature is MKW Art, which can be found on all my artwork. I am a passionate creative inspired by nature, architecture, fashion, heritage, childhood memories, and my daughter, Finnley. My work is modern, bright, and timeless, and whether I am creating fine art, clothing, or accessories, I always strive to create something I would want to live with or wear. I hope to inspire my daughter and others to be themselves and pursue what drives them. Anything is possible, but you have to work hard and stay true to your passion.

I specialize in hanji art, creating intricate and beautiful pieces using traditional Korean paper techniques. My works range from fine art pieces and limited editions to fashion collaborations and sculptures, each infused with cultural significance and personal expression. Additionally, I experiment with various other mediums and styles, constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity. My art not only serves as a visual delight but also solves a unique problem for clients seeking to incorporate a piece of authentic Korean culture into their spaces. Whether it’s a custom piece for a home or a corporate setting, my work offers a blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics that resonates with a diverse audience.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend tradition with modernity. By merging Korean art forms with modern design principles, I create pieces that are both timeless and innovative. This fusion of past and present allows my work to stand out in a unique and meaningful way.

One significant milestone in my career was creating my first hanji piece on a 3D vinyl toy for the “Vinyl Thoughts” annual art show in 2019. Despite the challenges and almost giving up, I persisted with the support of many FaceTime conversations with my mom. This experience sparked a desire to introduce hanji to a broader audience, leading me to apply hanji art to “Be@rbrick” toys, a popular Japanese bear-shaped toy with a significant following in the United States. I still work with Be@rbricks and am in the process of creating my own sculpture, which I hope to launch soon.

I take pride in my work because it is unique and true to myself. My job as a flight attendant with American Airlines allows me to personally source hanji and other important supplies from a 100-year-old paper shop in Korea, which my mom and I have frequented for years. My mission is to introduce hanji to more people and highlight its versatility and beauty through my unique, modern interpretations.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I stopped flying as soon as I found out that I was pregnant. Although I could have continued flying until my belly showed more, I chose not to risk it, especially since my pregnancy was a result of an IVF cycle and coincided with the COVID-19 lockdowns. The IVF journey was challenging, but my husband was very supportive, and we were committed to having a child. Despite the difficulties of getting pregnant, my pregnancy itself was smooth.

However, everything changed after I gave birth. That’s when postpartum depression set in. At the time, I didn’t recognize it for what it was, but looking back, I see how deeply it affected me. I lost all motivation to create art for about eight months. Normally, I get motivated and inspired on a daily basis, so experiencing a complete lack of creativity was incredibly depressing. I almost thought about quitting everything and returning to Korea.

During this difficult period, I tried hard to come up with new ideas, but nothing sparked. It felt like an endless void until one of my collectors reached out to me for a commission piece. This request was a glimmer of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel that slowly reignited my passion for creating art. That commission project marked the beginning of my recovery. It reminded me of the joy and fulfillment I find in my work and helped me reclaim my motivation and inspiration. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the power of support and persistence in overcoming challenges. It reaffirmed my commitment to my art and to showing my daughter that it’s possible to persevere and thrive, even in the face of adversity.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I rarely sketch my ideas. Instead, I envision them clearly in my mind and work directly from that vision. This approach can be challenging for non-creatives to understand because much of my work is done internally before it ever manifests physically. The internal process involves a lot of mental preparation and problem-solving, which can be difficult to articulate and share with others.

I am always unconsciously looking for new art ideas, even beyond the pieces I am currently working on. In my creative process I must follow the steps that are mapped out in my head, as my process doesn’t allow for many happy accidents. This can be both a blessing and a curse. Having ideas constantly flowing through my mind means I feel compelled to create them and see them come to life. It’s an intrinsic drive that I cannot ignore, and I hope that my audience appreciates the final result as much as I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.minjikw.com
• Instagram: @minjikw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minji-kang-watrous-37b5372bb/
• Other: Tik Tok: @minjikw

Image Credits

Rusty Bradford
Hal Samples
Steve Reeves