We recently connected with Haejin Yoo and have shared our conversation below.

Haejin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

I would connect with artist from the beginning. It took me a long time before I could connect with artists to learn how to progress with my career.
I should have connected with artists on Instagram and paid more attention into what other artists were doing.
Being connected always is something I still struggle with.

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?

Certainly! Here’s a well-rounded, engaging, and modest response based on everything we’ve covered about Haejin Yoo:

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I’m Haejin Yoo, a self-taught oil and acrylic artist originally from Seoul, South Korea, but raised in Australia. My work is rooted in surrealism and symbolism, exploring identity, introspection, and the facades we wear in daily life. My *Woman in the Bath* series is an ongoing exploration of “private thought”—a concept that was born from my own experiences with postpartum depression, personal struggles with masking as an autistic person, and the quiet moments of self-reflection I found in the sanctuary of a bath.

Art has always been a part of me, but it took me years to fully embrace it as a career. I initially pursued a scientific path, earning degrees in biomedical science and molecular biotechnology before transitioning into the corporate world. However, despite the stability, I felt unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I moved to Europe with my husband that I made the leap into becoming a full-time artist. It was a difficult, uncertain road, but every small win kept me moving forward.

My creative process is deeply personal. I build my own frames, stretch my own canvases, and spend hundreds of hours on each piece, ensuring every detail aligns with my vision. My work isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about evoking emotion and resonating with people on a deeper level. I want my art to serve as a reminder that we all carry hidden layers—our own complexities, struggles, and unspoken thoughts—and that’s what makes us beautifully human.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, from struggling to find my voice to now exhibiting internationally. Winning 2nd Prize in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and having my work featured in major exhibitions have been defining moments, but what means the most is connecting with people who see themselves in my art.

At its core, my work is about honesty. It’s about embracing the parts of ourselves we keep hidden and recognising that even in solitude, we are never truly alone.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Absolutely! Here’s a response that captures resilience while keeping it personal and engaging:

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Resilience has been at the heart of my journey as an artist. One defining moment was in 2022 when I participated in an art fair in Los Angeles. I had invested everything into that show—financially, emotionally, and creatively—pouring over 400 hours into each painting. I even reinvented myself, dressing in a way I thought would capture attention, and presenting work I thought would appeal to collectors. But despite all my efforts, the fair was a complete failure. I didn’t sell a single original piece.

At first, I felt crushed. Not just because of the financial loss, but because I realised I had been creating for others rather than for myself. But something unexpected happened. Instead of wallowing in disappointment, I felt a surge of clarity. I knew what had gone wrong—I wasn’t being true to myself. That night, instead of despair, I felt strangely empowered. I promised myself that moving forward, I would embrace my own artistic voice unapologetically.

That revelation led to the birth of my *Woman in the Bath* series, the most personal and authentic work I’ve ever created. It completely changed the trajectory of my career. Since then, my art has gained recognition, I’ve won major awards, and I now exhibit internationally. But none of that would have happened if I hadn’t failed first.

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through hardship—it’s about learning from it. That experience taught me that failure can be the best thing to happen to an artist if it leads them closer to their truth.

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

Of course! Here’s a fresh response that highlights a different pivotal moment in my journey:

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One of the biggest pivots in my life was transitioning from a career in science to becoming a full-time artist. Art was always a deep part of me, but due to life’s circumstances, I chose a more “stable” path and pursued degrees in biomedical science and molecular biotechnology. For nearly a decade, I worked in chemical regulatory affairs, living a life that was structured, predictable, and financially secure—but ultimately unfulfilling.

During that time, I painted on the side, slowly reconnecting with my creative voice. But it wasn’t until my husband and I relocated from Sydney to London in 2017 that everything changed. I had intended to continue my corporate career, but despite all my efforts, I couldn’t find a job. It felt like the universe was forcing me to confront the truth: I had been suppressing my real passion for too long.

With no other options, I took a leap of faith and committed to art full-time. It was terrifying—I had no formal art education, no connections, and no clear path. But I worked relentlessly, learning everything I could and throwing myself into exhibitions, competitions, and online platforms. It was a slow and difficult climb, filled with uncertainty and financial struggles.

Looking back, what felt like a setback was actually a gift. That forced pivot led me to where I am today—creating the work I love, exhibiting internationally, and finally living the life I was meant for. Sometimes, the universe pushes us in the direction we’re too afraid to go, and I’m grateful I listened.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.haejinyoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haejinyooart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaejinYooArt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChx1EQR0x7mWjTa40FjR1Tg