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Artist Bio: Young Shin
I make abstract paintings with paper. Through my work, I examine the theme of devotion: as an artist, I am inspired by the mastery of quotidian details through contemplation, meditation, and dedication. Heavy and dense textures created by lines from stripped layers of paper reveal a sense of decorum and order, juxtaposed with loosely and freely drawn large geometric shapes, which give the impression of freedom and ephemerality. My works are heavily process and repetition driven. I begin by applying several layers of paper on a canvas; once the layers are dried, I repeat the process of stripping down the layers and building them again. As a result, my paintings have an archeological quality, as viewers can viscerally sense and see different levels and layers of paper that have been intentionally built and destroyed, leaving elaborate and complicated traces. Once completed, it is left with an intensely and intricately textured surface laden with fiber debris from paper.
I make abstract paintings with paper. Through my work, I examine the theme of devotion: as an artist, I am inspired by the mastery of quotidian details through contemplation, meditation, and dedication. Heavy and dense textures created by lines from stripped layers of paper reveal a sense of decorum and order, juxtaposed with loosely and freely drawn large geometric shapes, which give the impression of freedom and ephemerality. My works are heavily process and repetition driven. I begin by applying several layers of paper on a canvas; once the layers are dried, I repeat the process of stripping down the layers and building them again. As a result, my paintings have an archeological quality, as viewers can viscerally sense and see different levels and layers of paper that have been intentionally built and destroyed, leaving elaborate and complicated traces. Once completed, it is left with an intensely and intricately textured surface laden with fiber debris from paper.
Published on April 13th, 2022. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What are you currently excited about in your art practice?
I'm excited about my current practice of utilizing paper in a more free-flowing way. In general, it is very hard to freely paint with paper, as pieces slip right off the canvas if not securely glued on to the surface. Lately, however, I'm finding ways to engage the material with more spontaneity, with much more immediate and serendipitous results. It's always been a concern for me that the work may seem too rigid, so the ability to express myself in a more carefree way has been thrilling.
What were some of the challenges you faced last year as an artist? Was your work/ art practice affected by the pandemic this year, if so how?
In general, I've been faring pretty well in the past two years. The work itself or the process itself, I feel that, has not suffered. What has suffered, however, is my ability to roam around the city as I would like to. As an artist, it is imperative to see, experience, and absorb as much as possible; the fact that such ability is restricted due to the pandemic, and that everything had to be constrained and planned with such rigidity-though completely understandable under the circumstances-has been painful and even demoralizing at times. Just like everyone else, I cannot wait until we can all be free and flexible again.
What does a typical day in the studio (or wherever you're making work) look like for you these days? What time of day are you at your studio, what are your studio must haves (ex: music, coffee, tools, etc), and what does your creative space look like?
My typical day in the studio starts early with sketching or reading around 6am. I'm an early riser and early sleeper, so I'm up by 5:30am. That's when my first cup of coffee is made. I spend a couple of hours doodling and reading then I'm headed out for my second cup of coffee-a habit incurred during the pandemic in an attempt to feign a level of normalcy and social engagement. When I'm back in the studio, I start the physical work of layering paper, peeling, or sanding paper. Usually, there are three pieces worked on concurrently. Music is a must and also audio books. I love reading and words. They always accompany me in the studio along with my two dogs.
What resources for artists have you found helpful that may be helpful for other artists?
I find most of my resources on Instagram. If I find galleries or exhibitions that are interesting, I follow them and closely monitor what it is they do. Other than that, I actually try steer clear of too much information and visual stimuli. I find too much engagement in that way is distracting for my work and my process. I don't want to be too influenced by what the trend is or what others are doing at the moment.
What in your art career are you looking forward to in the upcoming year? Do you have any specific goals or projects in mind?
In the next few year, I think I just want to really grow and get better in my artistry and expand my repertoire. As a mid-career artist, I still discover something new about myself and my practice everyday that I would like to implement into my practice. At the same time, I think it is important that I continue to reach out to the public with exhibitions as well as in gallery platforms to engage with potential collectors, buyers and art lovers.
What are you currently excited about in your art practice?
I'm excited about my current practice of utilizing paper in a more free-flowing way. In general, it is very hard to freely paint with paper, as pieces slip right off the canvas if not securely glued on to the surface. Lately, however, I'm finding ways to engage the material with more spontaneity, with much more immediate and serendipitous results. It's always been a concern for me that the work may seem too rigid, so the ability to express myself in a more carefree way has been thrilling.
What were some of the challenges you faced last year as an artist? Was your work/ art practice affected by the pandemic this year, if so how?
In general, I've been faring pretty well in the past two years. The work itself or the process itself, I feel that, has not suffered. What has suffered, however, is my ability to roam around the city as I would like to. As an artist, it is imperative to see, experience, and absorb as much as possible; the fact that such ability is restricted due to the pandemic, and that everything had to be constrained and planned with such rigidity-though completely understandable under the circumstances-has been painful and even demoralizing at times. Just like everyone else, I cannot wait until we can all be free and flexible again.
What does a typical day in the studio (or wherever you're making work) look like for you these days? What time of day are you at your studio, what are your studio must haves (ex: music, coffee, tools, etc), and what does your creative space look like?
My typical day in the studio starts early with sketching or reading around 6am. I'm an early riser and early sleeper, so I'm up by 5:30am. That's when my first cup of coffee is made. I spend a couple of hours doodling and reading then I'm headed out for my second cup of coffee-a habit incurred during the pandemic in an attempt to feign a level of normalcy and social engagement. When I'm back in the studio, I start the physical work of layering paper, peeling, or sanding paper. Usually, there are three pieces worked on concurrently. Music is a must and also audio books. I love reading and words. They always accompany me in the studio along with my two dogs.
What resources for artists have you found helpful that may be helpful for other artists?
I find most of my resources on Instagram. If I find galleries or exhibitions that are interesting, I follow them and closely monitor what it is they do. Other than that, I actually try steer clear of too much information and visual stimuli. I find too much engagement in that way is distracting for my work and my process. I don't want to be too influenced by what the trend is or what others are doing at the moment.
What in your art career are you looking forward to in the upcoming year? Do you have any specific goals or projects in mind?
In the next few year, I think I just want to really grow and get better in my artistry and expand my repertoire. As a mid-career artist, I still discover something new about myself and my practice everyday that I would like to implement into my practice. At the same time, I think it is important that I continue to reach out to the public with exhibitions as well as in gallery platforms to engage with potential collectors, buyers and art lovers.
Find Young Shin on Instagram
