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

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

Every individual on this planet strives for happiness. Many people find joy in giving their best effort at work, regardless of their situation or occupation. I, too, am among those who actively pursue happiness in everything I do. I take great pleasure in being able to fully engage myself in the process of painting. There are moments when I become so absorbed that I even hold my breath while I paint, requiring intense concentration. During these moments of focus, I experience a profound sense of excitement. Additionally, the feeling of accomplishment upon seeing the completed artwork contributes to my happiness as an artist. Even if I had pursued a different profession, I am certain I would still find fulfillment and happiness in it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in South Korea. Since elementary school, I have had a strong interest and talent in art. After attending a prestigious art high school, I pursued my passion by enrolling in an art college and was fortunate to be accepted into Hongik University, considered to be the top art school in South Korea. However, college entrance exams in Korea are highly rigid and competitive, so art majors ironically lack the freedom to express their individuality. Due to the emphasis on learning specific techniques for these exams, my natural interest in art waned. The process of it all felt more like repetitive training than ingenuity, and eventually I got tired of it. After graduating from art college, I wanted a different experience away from the current environment. So I stopped painting and began working at a clothing brand company.

In my late twenties, I got married and settled down in the United States. I became a mother of two and dedicated myself to being a full-time mom. Once my first child started school and the second one took naps, I gradually started to rediscover my love for drawing which evolved to painting and other mediums.
A few months later, one by one, my paintings started to be sold officially through my website and the globally renowned online art gallery Saatchi Art.

My art is also available at popular art print stores, including Minted, and the Anthropologie online store. Recently, I participated in a hotel interior art project. My work has been sold throughout the US as well as internationally to countries such as the UK. I enjoy creating works that are inspired by nature, but I have also enjoyed doing commissioned work where I can collaborate with a client and bring their vision to life and add a personal touch of happiness to their home walls.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding moments are when my clients send me pictures of my paintings displayed in their venues or on their walls, with the message that they love my paintings.
As an artist, I am acknowledged for my work and I believe that I connect with customers through my paintings, which drives my passion to continue to create works that bring joy in perpetuity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The inspiration for my paintings mostly comes from the beautiful nature. When people feel down or exhausted, they instinctively seek solace in nature. There is something magical about being surrounded by nature and taking in it scenic beauty.
Simply being surrounded by nature has a healing and restorative effect on us. Nature empowers us, dispelling all negative energy and replenishing us with an abundance of positive energy.

I want to achieve this same effect through my paintings. I want to convey a positive energy that brings comfort, happiness, and a sense of stability to those who view my artwork, by expressing the energy of nature that I feel.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shinachoi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinachoi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinachoiart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT6e5pEc6TheQt5JjsOoM1g
• Other: https://www.minted.com/store/shinachoi https://www.saatchiart.com/shinachoi https://society6.com/shinachoi