We recently connected with SunYoung Park and have shared our conversation below.

Hi SunYoung , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I have been working with clay since 2009. Clay is my primary medium for creating my work. It was not the easiest thing to learn, but the most exciting thing to go through for sure. I am a slow learner, but I am patient. I was not the best student in college( My major was Ceramics and glass), But I went to Graduate school and obtained another MFA, Specializing in Art and ceramics, so you can see I am pretty obsessed with being good at ceramics. There is no easy way to be better in the field. I am sure you must be honest with me if you sincerely want to do thisng and love pursui this track. I was sure, and it pushed me still. Grounding to clay as a root, I am branching out to other craft media to expand my practice. It is a more playful experience incorporating other media into ceramics since I already know how to treat ceramics as a crafted media; I take more unconventional ways with others. It allows me to broaden my perspective on my central media clay so I return to my roots with fresh eyes, stimulating me to try new things.

SunYoung , 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 was born in Masan, Korea. I am an artist currently working and living in Kansas City. I explore the spaces between imagination and reality. The use of diverse materials represents my visual language as I explore contrasting surfaces, emphasizing ceramics and mixed media. Park earned her BFA (2014) and MFA (2017) from
Hong-Ik University Seoul, Korea. I have exhibited my work nationally and internationally. I was the resident artist at Clayarch Gimhae Museum in the Ceramic Creative Center (2017). I recently obtained my MFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2021). She has participated in the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale, Jingdezhen, China, 7° Salon International Art résilience, Musée de Peinture de Saint-Frajou, France, and the Women to Watch exhibition at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. I am a 2023 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Award Fellow and Awardee of the Byron C. Cohen Award. I am a resident artist at Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, MO.

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

Said ChatGPT

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to express oneself authentically and to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire others through one’s work. Artists have the unique opportunity to share their perspectives, ideas, and interpretations of the world with audiences, fostering connections and dialogue across diverse communities.

Furthermore, the creative process itself can be deeply fulfilling, offering artists a sense of purpose, self-discovery, and personal growth. The journey of experimentation, exploration, and mastery of various mediums and techniques allows artists to continuously challenge themselves, expand their artistic horizons, and push the boundaries of their creativity.

Moreover, witnessing the impact and resonance of their work on others can be incredibly gratifying for artists. Whether it’s seeing the joy, contemplation, or reflection that their art elicits in viewers, or receiving feedback and appreciation from collectors, peers, and patrons, knowing that their creations have made a meaningful difference in someone’s life can be immensely rewarding.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the transformative power of art to inspire, connect, and uplift individuals and communities, transcending boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy of beauty, insight, and imagination.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In the realm of artistry, I’ve cultivated my reputation by consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in my work. By staying true to my unique artistic voice and vision, I’ve been able to carve out a distinct presence within the market. Moreover, my commitment to mastering various techniques and mediums has allowed me to create compelling and impactful pieces that resonate with audiences.

Furthermore, actively engaging with the artistic community through exhibitions, collaborations, and networking events has been instrumental in expanding my reach and visibility. Building meaningful connections with fellow artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts has not only enriched my artistic journey but has also helped me establish credibility and recognition within the industry.

In addition, I believe that my authenticity and passion for storytelling through art have played a pivotal role in connecting with viewers on a deeper level. Whether through painting, sculpture, or other forms of expression, I strive to evoke emotion and provoke thought in every piece I create.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of artistic skill, dedication to craft, active community involvement, and a genuine desire to connect with audiences that has contributed to the development of my reputation within the artistic landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: park-sunyoung.com
• Instagram: syyris

Image Credits
SunYoung Park Maxwell Wagner