We were lucky to catch up with Yoonjung Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

YoonJung, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The moment I decided to pursue art for life is etched in my memory like an old film reel. It was during a middle school counseling session before transitioning to high school. I still vividly recall that small office, the sunlight streaming through the window, and the teacher’s voice asking me, “What do you want to do for the rest of your life?” As I thought about what truly made me happy, I realized that all my passions pointed towards art—sketching in notebooks, creating shapes and worlds, and immersing myself in colors. That realization planted a seed in 2006, and for the past 18 years, art has grown with me, becoming a reflection of my life’s journey. My style has evolved, from shaping emotions into creatures through geometric forms to experimenting with vibrant colors and food-inspired abstractions, then to monochromatic minimalism, and finally to abstract portraits. Now, my work captures the hope and resilience of a fairy tale for adults—a story of a 30-something taking small steps forward every day. Like my life, my art records my thoughts, struggles, and growth, each piece a chapter of the time it represents. My life and art move forward, shaping and reflecting one another.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am YoonJung Lee, a sculptural painter based in New York. Just as a line comes together to form a shape, my life has been shaped by the many experiences that have defined me. Much of my life’s philosophy has been drawn from my art. Art embraced me during moments of loneliness in childhood, became a steadfast friend in my adolescence, and has empowered me as an adult to embrace challenges and explore possibilities. It now serves as a source of strength, teaching me to let go of greed, practice self-love, and find gratitude in the small things. As I continue to grow through art, I hope to share warmth and happiness with others, creating works that inspire hope and joy.

My work centers on sculptural storytelling, where textures and symbols merge to capture the nuances of human emotions and perspectives. I create layered paintings that often feature multiple faces, hands, and cryptic writings, embodying the complexities of life’s choices and the emotions they evoke. Each piece invites the viewer to explore its details, as though uncovering fragments of a personal story that echoes their own. My process is a balance of intuition and precision: I layer acrylic textures by hand, sculpting their form, then add intricate details with palette knives and brushes. Embedded within my work are subtle writings—cryptic phrases and symbols—that function like a whispered conversation, fostering curiosity and introspection. My current focus is on portraying resilience and hope, offering narratives that reflect the whimsical yet reflective journey of life in my 30s. Through these stories, I hope to inspire viewers to find strength and possibilities in their own lives.

In addition to my studio work, I am the founder of CARR (Cellar Artist Run Residency), a program designed to nurture collaboration and exploration among artists. As CARR evolves, I am planning to transform it into a traveling residency that explores diverse locations and artistic practices. This initiative reflects my belief in the transformative power of new environments and shared creative journeys. This December, I am honored to showcase my work in two significant exhibitions: Aqua Art Miami in Florida and Evolving Identities at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York. These exhibitions will feature works that delve into themes of identity, resilience, and the ever-changing human experience. I look forward to sharing these stories with audiences and continuing to connect through art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is how painting makes me feel truly alive and connected. It grounds me, provides balance and purpose, and acts as my anchor—a constant presence that keeps me steady.

What’s even more fulfilling is seeing my work resonate with others. Exhibitions and moments where people connect their own emotions and stories to my art create a powerful shared experience. Art becomes a bridge, sparking imagination, dialogue, and connection between my world and theirs.

At the same time, art teaches me to see beauty in overlooked details and guides me through life’s challenges and joys. These experiences, combined with moments of recognition through exhibitions, sales, and conversations, inspire me to continue pursuing my passion—not only as an artist but also as the founder of an artist residency and as someone deeply committed to personal and collective growth through art.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has always been a challenging task for me. But over time, I’ve realized that the key is not to feel overwhelmed by it. According to research, showing your face in posts can significantly increase engagement and relatability. People connect more easily with the person behind the art, which builds trust and friendliness. For artists, separating personal and professional Instagram accounts can also be a great strategy. A dedicated artist account allows you to focus on your work and audience, while a personal account can be a space for sharing more informal moments.

I must admit, I’ve gone long stretches without updating my social media or website, and it’s something I’m working to change. Moving forward, I’m committed to posting at least once a week, sharing my journey, my work, and my inspirations with a wider audience. To those just starting out, my advice is to start small, be yourself, and don’t hesitate to show the world your unique perspective. Let’s grow together, stay consistent, and keep putting our work out there—one post at a time. We’ve got this! 💪😊

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yoonjunglee.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnion/reels/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoonjung-lee-ab110092/

Image Credits

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