Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to TK Kuk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

TK, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Growing up in a small town in Orange County came with its privileged upbringing of too many microwavable food amidst the backdrop of the expectations and ideations of 1st generation Asian parents. Therefore, taking extra curricular classes outside of school was a norm. Thankfully art was a form of cultivation that my parents nurtured and drawing became a constant activity in my childhood. I knew from early on that my future would continue along that path of creation. Drawing, painting, and making started as an outlet for all the complicated thoughts and emotions brewing in my youth and an escape to a time and space of my own creation. Although it took on a few different forms over the years, from initially proclaiming to become a fashion designer, comic book artist, and illustrator, I finally settled on becoming a fine artist so that I could make art without the constraints of a conventional label.

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.

In Fall of 2011, I pursued formal education at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. The professors and colleagues I interacted with opened my eyes to so many different forms of art that initially, I was overwhelmed and unsure on what to make, how to go about making my work, and why what I produced was even relevant. Despite the rocky start, I came to grow in my process and pursuit of my interests by trial and error and continued growing my body of art. Having a tendency to over think and work at a snail’s pace, I painted during my spare moments. Whether it was in my bedroom, living room, or kitchen, I endeavored over the years to never stop. Eventually I was able to work up the finances and courage to get a studio in a shared space in downtown Los Angeles. Truly a full circle, I am now at a place where I am more confident in my subject matter without dwelling too long on facets out of my control. I use the faces and bodies of young Asian women as my subject when I paint, draw, and sew. These faces I grew up recognizing are often silent and by giving them a place to exist, these young women are given a voice and the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the viewer. I identify with these quiet figures because they act as a mirror to who I was, am, and will be. Giving life to these faces also give me the time and space to meditate and connect with these strangers. My figures surrounded by beauty is my personal journey to explore identity and culture within the complicated and diverse context of American society.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My hope and goal is for someone to find some solace or joy when they look at my work. To be honest, my practice is purely selfish. I put in a lot of energy in the research and hours in what I make and that is another part of the process that I find purpose in. In return I hope that the audience can look at my artwork and take away a small portion of that energy I have put into my work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It would be the process of art-making. From start to finish, it’s fulfilling, cathartic, and simultaneously frustrating. I love having an idea or a picture in my mind that I want to make and go through the process of actually seeing it come to fruition. A secondary reward would be when someone looks at and interacts with my work and is able to take away some thought or emotion from it. It’s always humbling when a friend, family member or stranger, approach me and carry out a conversation about my work. If the audience is able to take away something, that is more than I could ever hope for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tk-kuk.com
• Instagram: @tk.kuk

Image Credits

Angela Lee