By Honorary Reporter Fotini Chatzoudi from Greece
Images = Ham Bo-kyung

Ham Bo-kyung is a jinchae painter who uses traditional elements from Korea's past in modern-day settings and situations.

"I want everyone to know through my paintings that happiness isn't far away and comprises a feeling of small things found in everyday life."

Based in Seoul, artist Ham Bo-kyung's drawing style is reminiscent of traditional Korean paintings but with modern touches like contemporary shoes, objects and lifestyle. She decided to share more on her works in an Oct. 6 email interview.

Ham uses jinchae, a traditional style of painting using pigments from natural minerals, and said she accepts traditional things from the past and reconstructs people from yesteryear in the present. 

"I've been drawing since I was very young and painting since I graduated from university and graduate school," she said.

This piece shows a couple in Hanbok going on a trip in a classic car.

Ham said she came up with this style while planning an exhibition with her friend, an animation major. "While working on female heroes, I drew people from the past in the present. I tried to express today's standards through painting to make the situations of modern people look fun and enjoyable," she said. 

"I hope that those who see my works are happy and that good things happen to them."

This piece shows a woman from the Joseon Dynasty riding a model of the Italian motor scooter brand Vespa.

The traditional technique she uses is based on those used for royal court, folk and Buddhist paintings such as those featuring morando (peonies) and sipjangsaengdo (the 10 Symbols of Longevity).

"My essential philosophy that guides my creative expression is happiness. I think happiness is a state of pleasure when desires are satisfied," she said. "That state of happiness can be subjective or objective but is something only I can feel. I want everyone to know that happiness isn't far away and can be found in everyday life through my drawings."

"Life changes with positive thinking. In difficult moments, there are also good moments. Through the characters in my paintings, I want viewers to feel small but certain happiness."

enny0611@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.