We recently connected with Bridget Choi and have shared our conversation below.

Bridget, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Embarking on my artistic journey was a leap into the unknown. I was a regular academic student surrounded by peers just like me. I wasn’t the artsy type during my school days—perhaps more versed in art history than wielding a paintbrush.

My art teacher used to tell me, “Bridget, with your knowledge and passion for art, you could pursue a related major and attend any college you desire. Just not fine arts.” His words—which might have been a bit crushing—didn’t really faze me. I smiled, nodding in agreement, declaring fine arts as an unlikely path. Reflecting on that moment, maybe there is a kernel of truth in what my teacher said. I did attend my dream college majoring in the field of arts based on my passion and knowledge.

How did I transition from a seemingly unsuitable candidate to thriving in the world of fine arts? It’s a tale that, in hindsight, feels almost as a revelation of god. In the midst of my personal Middle Ages in Junior year, devoid of motivation, I woke up, approached my parents, and declared, “I want to study art abroad.” The origin of this mind-boggling decision remains elusive, but one thing is clear—I’ve loved art since my youth.

Instead of childhood picnics to amusement parks, I held my archaeologist father and art enthusiast mother’s hands and headed to museums and galleries. Art encapsulated my happiest memories and deepest passions, and I sensed it could pull me up to the surface. With just a year to prepare a foreign college application and craft a portfolio, 2021 became the year I threw myself into the grindstone, the details of which now blur in my memory, leaving only my first portfolio etched in my hard drive.

Many questioned if I regretted my irrational, impulsive choice. There are no regrets, maybe a slight lingering “should’ve worked harder” sentiment. I’ve strived and am striving to showcase progress to myself and hunt both rabbits of happiness and success. When people ask, “How can I win my bet,” my response remains consistent: risk-taking isn’t merely a roll of the dice and that personal satisfaction hinges on post-risk actions. The outcome isn’t a prophecy bestowed from the heavens; it’s a self-crafted narrative, and I’ve witnessed firsthand.

As Fyodor Dostoevsky wisely noted, “Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.” Overcoming this inherent fear is a pivotal catalyst for personal and creative growth. I’ve experienced the transformative power of pushing beyond those fears, turning uncertainty into valuable life lessons.

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?

As a mixed media artist with a focus on painting and textiles, I straddle the creative landscapes of Seoul, South Korea, and Chicago, USA, drawing inspiration from both traditional and contemporary artistic traditions. My work is a synthesis of various media, reflecting a stylistic influence rooted in traditional, technique-focused art.

My artistic journey is driven by a profound appreciation for the timeless beauty found in classic art, a passion that fuels my quest for its revival in a modern context. I am deeply committed to physicalizing emotions, experiences, and complex psychological concepts through metaphorical narratives, drawing from sources as diverse as the Bible and pagan origins. In my art, I embark on a journey of cultural exploration, delving into the rich tapestry of cultural dialects and personal narratives.

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

As a late entrant into my artistic journey, I initially grappled with intense concerns regarding my perceived deficiency in experience, imagination, inspiration, technique, and other aspects compared to my peers. Amidst the vast realm of artistic talent, diligence, and expertise, I inadvertently allowed myself to be disheartened by the accomplishments of others. While acknowledging that the act of comparison is intrinsic to human nature and, when approached judiciously, can be constructive, I found myself drowned in a depressing swirl of thought within this competitive society.

However, I underwent a paradigm shift in my perspective, choosing to view my circumstances not as a belated initiation but rather as an opportunity for growth. I likened my situation to a pristine sheet of paper awaiting an array of colors and patterns. I gained insights from both my contemporaries and the old masters, fostering a direct and intimate engagement with traditional techniques and palettes. Overcoming my apprehension, I actively sought information and advice from acquaintances, dispelling lingering fear.

I still have a considerable journey ahead, but reflecting on my progress over the past year, it reveals a significant leap from my initial contemplations. The conflict inherent in the pursuit of artistic endeavors is anticipated to persist, yet I take pride in the resilience I have demonstrated. As an artist, I recognize this internal struggle as an enduring facet of my journey, one that I am determined to navigate with tenacity and continual improvement.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

My aspiration is for my creations to be perceived as aesthetically pleasing, evoking a sense of tradition, and classic. The root of art resides in its aesthetic, and I consider the subtle messages conveyed is a special quality that art can only have as a visual metaphor. I employ an approach that I describe as “indirect criticism,” where I refrain from overtly depicting scenes or revealing hidden meanings to the casual observer. Instead, I invite viewers to embark on a deeper exploration, encouraging them to read the context and unravel the layers of meaning within each piece. On the surface, my artwork offers an aesthetic feast for the senses, inviting viewers with its visual allure. Yet, beneath this surface, lies a profound and serious conversation, carefully concealed within the canvas. I believe that art should be a multilayered experience, and I aspire to create work that challenges viewers to dive deep into the intricacies of each piece. I entrust the viewer with the task of deciphering any underlying narratives, either through contemplating the accompanying descriptions or by regarding the artwork as a conventional painting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bridgetjychoi
• Youtube: @bridgetjychoi

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Elijah Lee Ross @_smuggles_thesequel