We recently connected with Question Marker and have shared our conversation below.

Question, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

It doesn’t matter whether you start art early or late. I formed an artist crew called ‘Mikihasi,’ which is a group of artists based in San Francisco and Korea, coming together to collaborate and create. It’s a precious relationship where we inspire and motivate each other.

In fact, I started art later than some of my Mikihasi colleagues. But I don’t think that’s a problem at all. I believe experience is a crucial element. Because I started later, I had the chance to gather diverse experiences, and those experiences have given me richer stories, which are more firmly reflected in my artwork.

So, if there is anyone thinking, “Is it too late for me to start now?” I would say, “It’s never too late.” What matters isn’t the timing, but the purpose behind why you’re doing it. If you’re clear about why you’re on this path, then that is the right time to begin.

Question, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a painter based in San Francisco, and I engage with people through the artistic language of ‘doodlism.’ I value freedom and dislike being constrained by composition, lighting, colors, and other traditional artistic rules. The sketches I drew in the corner of my room depicted another version of myself, reflecting my growth as an only child who often felt very lonely. When I scribbled, my loneliness disappeared, and the crooked lines, simple shapes, and illegible handwriting became my diary, which ultimately led me to pursue ‘doodlism.’

I draw lines that are not precise, resembling those written by a young child. I use colors and brushstrokes that come from my heart, without any formal technique. My paintings and writings, which appear childlike, transform into artworks that tell stories of shared experiences or express my own feelings.

Inspired by Jean Michel Basquiat’s work, I don’t want my artwork to be difficult for people to understand. Basquiat’s graffiti-like paintings left a profound impression on me, and his ability to convey deep messages inspired me to communicate and connect with people through simple, accessible paintings, much like sharing my diary. Therefore, I aim to make my art as easy and fun as possible.

Most of my paintings lack a focal point because the multitude of emotions I experience each day become the subject of my art. I enjoy improvising shapes and lines that deviate from their original form to create a unique artwork.

I believe everyone is born an artist, and doodling is a universal language that everyone can easily express. Regardless of age, race, or gender, doodling is an innate artistic language. That’s why I believe that my use of ‘doodlism’ can approach people in a familiar way, fostering a sense of “familiarity” in communication. Now, I want to communicate with people through my diary, using familiar objects like furniture or shoes as my canvas. Through the artistic language of ‘doodlism,’ I ask, “Have you had this experience?” and “What are the words you would like to express?”

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most fulfilling moment for me as an artist is when my work moves people emotionally and connects with their experiences. The fact that my artwork can evoke deep empathy or offer comfort and inspiration in someone’s life holds great meaning for me.

I also feel a sense of fulfillment when I see emerging artists who want to create, just like I did. It brings me great joy to be able to offer even a small amount of help to them. While I don’t think I’m in a position to give advice, when I share my own experiences and attitudes towards art, and they tell me that my story has helped them, I feel truly fulfilled.

Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from the creative process itself is invaluable. The challenges and growth I experience while creating something from start to finish, and the pride I feel when I see the completed work, are beyond words. These experiences enrich my life as a creator and drive me to continue pursuing art.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Encountering art became a pivotal turning point in my life. I’ve always been someone who enjoys expressing myself and sharing who I am with others. However, before discovering art, I felt a sense of emptiness and thirst in my life. There was a deep longing, a kind of frustration, because I couldn’t fully express myself to others.

At that time, I struggled to find a way to channel my emotions and thoughts, and I didn’t fully understand how important it was to express myself. But when I encountered art, that thirst began to be quenched. Art became a powerful tool through which I could express my feelings and thoughts visually, allowing me to freely show who I am. The ability to pour my emotions into my work was a profound change in my life.

After discovering art, it felt like I had grown wings. I was able to express my inner self and communicate with the world in my own unique way. This gave me a clearer sense of purpose and direction in life. Art filled the gaps that had been missing, offering me a way to fully express myself. Because of it, I now live a richer and more meaningful life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/questionmarker_art
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mikihasi

Image Credits

@questionmarker_art on Instagram
Question Marker Solo exhibition at Bluestream Gallery