By Honorary Reporter Daniela Astolfi from Italy

Photos = Lee Sangsoo

Seoul-based artist Lee Sang-soo uses strips of spray-painted metal to craft a variety of animals through abstract and minimalist sculptures. He recently took part in Kiaf Seoul from Oct. 13-17 at the Seoul COEX. 

The following are excerpts from an interview with the artist.

Why did you decide to become an artist?
My childhood dream was to be a painter because I loved to draw. So I went to art college and majored in sculpture. Even today, creating art is the most enjoyable thing for me.

Describe your creative process. 
I first draw what I want to make as a work in my sketchbook and later turn it into a three-dimensional creation in a 3D program. I can use a 3D printer for smaller works and use steel plates and welding for larger ones. The development of technology and industry has led to more diverse and effective ways to create art.

Artist Lee Sang-soo works on a large project.

"Cat With a Ball" (2021)

What inspires your works?
Some of Pablo Picasso's works depict animals with minimal lines, and these were my first inspiration. As a sculptor, I wanted to reproduce them in three dimensions rather than two. During his life, Picasso pondered and worked on the origins of art, things I am also interested in. I always explore things like those from the perspective of a sculptor.

Why are animals represented in so many of your works?
I like to observe animals, each of which has unique characteristics. They are a mystery of nature and the result of evolution. No matter how talented an artist is, he or she cannot express the wonder of nature. I just want to work on it as my method of expression.

Deer in forest

What does color mean to you?
I originally majored in 3D art, so I had a bad sense of color. So I mainly borrowed the colors of animals as they are in nature. The natural color of an animal can express its character in more detail. By observing and working with animals, I developed my own unique sense of color like choosing which color would suit an animal I made.

Flamingos

Which work is your favorite? 
Ones with cats. I have eight cats living not in my house but around my studio. So I can observe them often. Nowadays, works featuring cats are growing popular, so I give the cats more snacks.

Swan

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.