With generous support from the Sustainable Arts Foundation and the University of Tennessee I spent 6 weeks in South Korea over the summer, conducting visual research for new work. Focused primarily in Seoul, I had the opportunity to work with Korean objects and artifacts from various museums, memorials, and landmarks symbolizing the preservation of Korea’s historic past. I visited numerous sites including The War Memorial of Korea, the Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, various folk villages, temples, and art museums. Most of my research was centered on the collection at the National Museum of Korea, where I worked very closely with a number of artifacts in private viewings. My focus began with objects from all time periods associated with adornment, such as textiles, jewelry, and other worn items, and also memorialization objects related to funerary and burial practices. However, in the end my observations spanned an array of objects, diverse in character. Through drawing, photography, and written notes, I compiled a reservoir of information for the development of future paintings.

detailed captions coming soon!