|
|
Kate Bae is an independent curator and immigrant artist who works on site-specific installations and paintings based in Brooklyn and Busan. Bae holds an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and a BFA in painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She founded Women’s Cactus for the Arts and has exhibited nationally and internationally, most recently at Jeju Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. She is a grant recipient of the Puffin Foundation, Real Art Award, MVP Chapter Lead Grant from Malikah Gender Justice Institute, and Ora Lerman Trust. She has attended residencies, including the Golden Foundation, the Studios at Mass MoCA, the Trestle Gallery, the Wassaic Project, Chashama, and Lower East Side Printshop Keyholder Residency among others.
Published on April 1st, 2025. Artist responses collected in months previous.
Talk about some of the logistics of your art practice. What systems do you have in place to help streamline your workflows?
Having a dedicated workspace has been crucial for me this year, especially since I've been living in Busan, South Korea. While this situation is temporary and I'll be moving soon, I've been able to fully utilize this space without the worry of constant relocation. Distractions are a constant battle, but having concrete projects with deadlines helps me stay focused. I allocate specific time slots for painting and stick to them as much as possible. To keep track of everything, I rely heavily on Google Sheets. This allows me to visually monitor my projects across all my devices – computer, phone, and iPad – ensuring I always have access to the information I need.
What is some advice for someone who does not have any experience who would like to pursue a career like yours?
I seek out opportunities daily, browsing through listings both for potential fits and to stay informed about art news. When I find an opportunity that aligns with my interests and skills, I jump in knowing I might not get it. I understand that the art world is competitive, but I approach each opportunity with a growth mindset, each time as an opportunity to learn and improve. I value collaboration and love working with artists from diverse fields. These collaborations push me to explore new perspectives, interact with unfamiliar concepts, and develop skills beyond my typical domain (teamwork). I learn from constructive criticism and advice, recognizing their invaluable role in my growth. I strive to learn from every interaction, while simultaneously developing my own artistic voice and critical judgment. This allows me to thoughtfully consider feedback while maintaining my unique artistic vision.
What was the lowest point in your art career and how did you overcome those adversities?
I graduated from school in 2010 and pursued painting for a year, but unfortunately, I was unable to maintain a consistent art practice. This period of inactivity extended for five years, from 2011 to 2016. During this time, I struggled with depression and debilitating self-doubt, questioning my identity as an artist and grappling with financial insecurity. Despite these challenges, I never completely abandoned my artistic aspirations. When I finally returned to painting in December 2016, it felt like a sudden and intense release. Years of pent-up creativity and suppressed emotions poured out, much like a forceful expulsion. Looking back on seven years of continuous artistic practice, I am grateful for the perseverance and determination that have fueled my growth as an artist.
How did you come into the type of artwork you are doing now?
A pivotal moment for me was escaping the confines of New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic by relocating to Jeju Island in South Korea for five months. This complete change of scenery, coupled with new friendships and artistic connections, profoundly impacted my work and my life. The constant immersion in the island's natural beauty, particularly through frequent diving experiences, has significantly influenced my current artistic direction, which now centers entirely on the multifaceted nature of water.
What was an epiphany in your art practice that took you to the next level?
Looking back, I believe a significant catalyst for my artistic resurgence was the profound shift in my environment. Escaping the frenetic energy of New York City during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and relocating to the serene and breathtaking island of Jeju in South Korea proved to be a pivotal turning point. The daily rhythm of life on Jeju, punctuated by frequent dives into the crystal-clear waters, offered a profound sense of release. Each dive was a transformative experience, allowing me to shed the weight of accumulated stress, past insecurities, and the anxieties that had been stifling my artistic expression. The underwater world, with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, became a source of endless fascination and inspiration. Furthermore, establishing a stable and loving partnership with my partner during this period provided a crucial sense of security and emotional support. This newfound stability allowed me to cultivate a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence, enabling me to embrace my artistic pursuits with renewed vigor and dedication. The anxieties that had previously plagued me began to recede, replaced by a newfound sense of purpose and a renewed belief in my own creative potential.
Talk about some of the logistics of your art practice. What systems do you have in place to help streamline your workflows?
Having a dedicated workspace has been crucial for me this year, especially since I've been living in Busan, South Korea. While this situation is temporary and I'll be moving soon, I've been able to fully utilize this space without the worry of constant relocation. Distractions are a constant battle, but having concrete projects with deadlines helps me stay focused. I allocate specific time slots for painting and stick to them as much as possible. To keep track of everything, I rely heavily on Google Sheets. This allows me to visually monitor my projects across all my devices – computer, phone, and iPad – ensuring I always have access to the information I need.
What is some advice for someone who does not have any experience who would like to pursue a career like yours?
I seek out opportunities daily, browsing through listings both for potential fits and to stay informed about art news. When I find an opportunity that aligns with my interests and skills, I jump in knowing I might not get it. I understand that the art world is competitive, but I approach each opportunity with a growth mindset, each time as an opportunity to learn and improve. I value collaboration and love working with artists from diverse fields. These collaborations push me to explore new perspectives, interact with unfamiliar concepts, and develop skills beyond my typical domain (teamwork). I learn from constructive criticism and advice, recognizing their invaluable role in my growth. I strive to learn from every interaction, while simultaneously developing my own artistic voice and critical judgment. This allows me to thoughtfully consider feedback while maintaining my unique artistic vision.
What was the lowest point in your art career and how did you overcome those adversities?
I graduated from school in 2010 and pursued painting for a year, but unfortunately, I was unable to maintain a consistent art practice. This period of inactivity extended for five years, from 2011 to 2016. During this time, I struggled with depression and debilitating self-doubt, questioning my identity as an artist and grappling with financial insecurity. Despite these challenges, I never completely abandoned my artistic aspirations. When I finally returned to painting in December 2016, it felt like a sudden and intense release. Years of pent-up creativity and suppressed emotions poured out, much like a forceful expulsion. Looking back on seven years of continuous artistic practice, I am grateful for the perseverance and determination that have fueled my growth as an artist.
How did you come into the type of artwork you are doing now?
A pivotal moment for me was escaping the confines of New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic by relocating to Jeju Island in South Korea for five months. This complete change of scenery, coupled with new friendships and artistic connections, profoundly impacted my work and my life. The constant immersion in the island's natural beauty, particularly through frequent diving experiences, has significantly influenced my current artistic direction, which now centers entirely on the multifaceted nature of water.
What was an epiphany in your art practice that took you to the next level?
Looking back, I believe a significant catalyst for my artistic resurgence was the profound shift in my environment. Escaping the frenetic energy of New York City during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and relocating to the serene and breathtaking island of Jeju in South Korea proved to be a pivotal turning point. The daily rhythm of life on Jeju, punctuated by frequent dives into the crystal-clear waters, offered a profound sense of release. Each dive was a transformative experience, allowing me to shed the weight of accumulated stress, past insecurities, and the anxieties that had been stifling my artistic expression. The underwater world, with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, became a source of endless fascination and inspiration. Furthermore, establishing a stable and loving partnership with my partner during this period provided a crucial sense of security and emotional support. This newfound stability allowed me to cultivate a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence, enabling me to embrace my artistic pursuits with renewed vigor and dedication. The anxieties that had previously plagued me began to recede, replaced by a newfound sense of purpose and a renewed belief in my own creative potential.
Find Kate Bae on Instagram
|
|