We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hyunju Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hyunju, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Long story short, I am happier as an artist than as someone with a regular job. I can say this because I’ve experienced both briefly. I am a recent CalArts alum, class of 2023. Right after I graduated, I was desperately looking for a job. Not only because I am an international student needing to extend my visa by having a job, but also because I wasn’t sure about being a full-time artist. Luckily, I was able to get a full-time job a few months after I graduated.

This was my story about a year ago, and now I am facing a new chapter in my life. I am about to resign and get ready to become a full-time artist. It wasn’t an easy decision or transition at all. But one thing I realized while working full-time is that it’s not something I’ve been wanting to do; it’s not the reason I moved to this country.

This became a big motivation for me to push myself to make art while I was working. I didn’t want my time to be filled only with work. Furthermore, I had a show coming up back in my hometown in Korea, so I really forced myself to create something for the show. For approximately 2-3 months, my life went crazy. I would go to work every Monday to Friday, then go to the studio to start my own work, following the same routine on the weekends as well. What I realized by doing this was what I truly value and want to do.

So, to go back to the question, I am happy with my decision and very excited to dedicate my time to my own practice. I am also going to work as a freelancer. This is the life I dreamed of when I had a regular job, and I am so looking forward to it!

Hyunju, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My background in art stems from theater. I did my BA in Theatrical Directing. Shortly after, I found my interest in designing stages and props. I enjoyed creating shows together with actors, directors, and staff, but I longed to have my own practice. Theater and show-making are rewarding because they involve a huge group effort. However, I always wanted to have my own practice. That’s when I decided to pursue my master’s degree in the States. I did an exchange student program in my senior year in Ohio and really enjoyed my time there. I wanted to study more in the States, and my urge to have my own practice led me back to the U.S.

Entering graduate school without a defined practice stressed me out during the first semester, as I didn’t know what kind of art I wanted to create. During the first two semesters, I tried really hard to find my interest and practice. Meeting amazing, diverse peers and artists from all over the world at my school really helped me discover my own practice, as did the faculty.

In terms of my practice, I work with various mediums, including installations, sculptures, drawings, and video. My practice, usually inspired by current cultural moments, constructs visual narratives using these mediums.

In my most recent solo show in Korea, I made an experimental short film focusing on clothing labels by combining elements from a real retail store in the fashion district of LA with a fictional tie factory.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I always have this strong desire to share my work with new people. As an emerging artist, you know it’s not that easy. It’s not about people I know—I just want more random people to come to my shows or enjoy my art!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are so many opportunities out there these days—open calls, residency programs, magazines, and more. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there on social media and promote your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hyunjulee.com
• Instagram: @hyunjuulee