ART PRACTICe
Redux Contemporary Art Center | Charleston, South Carolina | Mar. 2024 - May 2024
Artist & Curator | Solo Exhibition | Pieces of Us
The concept behind this exhibit was 분위기 (Pronunciation: boon-wee-gi).
This is a Korean word that we don’t have a direct translation for in English. It not only encompasses the ambiance of a space, but the people within that space and the emotions they evoke. Combined, this has an impact on each individual’s perception and experience.
This was the idea I kept in mind throughout the residency and was the central theme of my exhibit. I wanted to create a serene atmosphere that was tied to nature and interacted with the people who visited this space. The pieces react to changes in light, movement, and sound - making it a unique experience each time.
I designed and set up the layout of the exhibition space by considering the natural flow of the audience and how I wanted to share the stories behind each piece in a visually compelling manner. I allowed for the audience to engage with each piece by being intentional with spacing and placement. I also designed all of the supplementary materials, such as wall texts and exhibit labels to ensure a cohesive look.
Redux Contemporary Art Center | Charleston, South Carolina | Apr. 2024
Teaching Artist
In this workshop students learned some sewing basics along with how to make a Bakjwi - a Korean maedeup that’s meant to bring you happiness. Students then had the option to make a pin cushion adorned with their Bakjwi or contribute it to my public engagement project, 1,000 Bakjwi, that will be patchworked to a community wall panel.
The Paper Canopy | Charleston, South Carolina | Mar. 2024
Teaching Artist
I collaborated with a local business to share the Korean craft of Bojagi in a simplified paper form. Students were introduced to a piece of Korean culture that has evolved over centuries into various art forms.
Redux Contemporary Art Center | Charleston, South Carolina | Feb. 2024 - May 2024
Artist-in-Residence
I was awarded the Lightning Residency program that creates opportunities for emerging artists by providing them with access to a studio space and an opportunity to showcase their work. During the residency, I worked a minimum of 20 hours per week on a comprehensive project that I proposed. When the residency is concluded I will exhibit my work in their back gallery. I will also be offering a workshop that teaches participants how to make a Bakjwi Maedeup that they can contribute to my ongoing community project, 1,000 Bakjwi.
Patagonia | San Francisco, California | Jun. 2023
Teaching Artist
This workshop, Sustainable Sashiko Mending, focused on the sustainable practice of mending worn textiles using the Sashiko stitching method and recycled materials. This emphasis on mending and repurposing was made to encourage a more mindful way of living that empowered people to use what they have and give a second life to their belongings.
San Francisco School of Needlework and Design | San Francisco, California | Jun. 2023
Teaching Artist
I taught a sold-out collaborative workshop with Master Artist, Youngmin Lee at SFSNAD. Participants learned how to use Gamchimjil to create a mandu mobile using leftover remnants of fabric.
Hanging Thread Gallery, SFSNAD | San Francisco, California | May - Jul. 2023
Exhibiting Artist | Bojagi: Piecing Time and Tradition Together
The works shown in this exhibition demonstrate how preserving artistic and cultural traditions connects both individuals and communities. Youngmin and Mariah shared an ancient tradition with contemporary audiences, as well as their own good wishes for others’ well-being and happiness.
San Francisco School of Needlework and Design | San Francisco, California | Apr. 2023
Speaker & Teaching Artist
I was an invited speaker at SFSNAD’s Textile Tell All event to speak about my creative practice and demonstrate how to make Bakjwi Maedeup for an ongoing interactive public project.
Patagonia | San Francisco, California | Mar. 2023
Teaching Artist
In this workshop, Sashiko 101 + Palm Thimbles, I taught a workshop of 30 people the basics of the Japanese stitching method known as Sashiko. In this class, we utilized the learned basics to create unique and personal palm thimbles that the students could use for future Sashiko projects to come.
Alliance for California Traditional Arts | Berkeley, California | Jun. 2022 - Jun. 2023
Apprentice
I was awarded a year-long Apprenticeship Program through the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA), which encourages the continuity of traditional arts and cultures. I demonstrated a committed engagement by receiving mentorship and intensive one-on-one training from Master Artist, Youngmin Lee. I created a series of Bojagi projects that vary in technique, style, and meaning. Knowledge of Korean culture was also taught in relation to the work.
SCRAP | San Francisco, California | Apr. 2021 - Jun. 2023
Teaching Artist
I shared knowledge & experience within the Bay Area through a series of creative workshops. Past workshops involved Bojagi, Furoshiki, Creative Reuse, Watercolor, Embroidery, or Mail Art.
EDUCATION
Summer 2022 - Summer 2023 Alliance for California Traditional Arts | Berkeley, CA | Apprenticeship Program
Fall 2012 - Summer 2016 Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | B.F.A. Graphic Design
BACKGROUND
Blair Center for the Arts | Charleston, SC | Feb. 2024 - Present
Assistant Director
Works directly with the owners to ensure community engagement and consistent growth in both school locations. Coordinates with all staff, teaching artists, schools, and students in an effective, systemized manner. Designs targeted marketing strategies - social media assets, newsletters, printed ads, and community events that bring value to the public. Oversees daily operations and administrative tasks.
SCRAP | San Francisco, California | Apr. 2021 - June 2023
Marketing & Events Coordinator | Programs Coordinator
Creates one-of-a-kind experiences, including corporate engagements, fundraisers, workshops, community events, and other experiences within our programs department. Implements relevant marketing strategies and systems to ensure consistent growth for a rapidly evolving non-profit.
Lioness Heart Foundation | Uganda, Africa | Aug. 2020 - Present
Visual Designer & Storyteller
Oversees the non-profit organization’s branding & web design, audience outreach & education, social media marketing, fundraising campaigns, and merchandising. Strives to create opportunities for the women of Uganda to have equal rights and live a life they love.
Etiquette Design Company | San Francisco, CA | Jun. 2020 - Jun. 2021
Lead Studio Manager & Graphic Designer
Reaching Etiquette Design’s community through engaging storytelling, content creation, and graphic design. Created memorable experiences for her clients through a structured design system that allows for both innovation and quality attention to detail. Involved in all aspects of management of the production process.
C.S. Lambert | Camden, Maine | Jun. 2019 - May 2021
Social Media Manager | Web Designer
Implemented social media & SEO strategies to increase target audience awareness & curated a selection of archived historical artifacts for upcoming book publishing.
J.L. Moore Art | Freeport, Maine | Apr. 2019 - Jan. 2021
Arts Administrator | In-House Graphic Designer
Designed compelling and brand-minded content for digital/printed media and developed community interest in involved arts organizations.
Freeport Antiques & Heirlooms Showcase | Freeport, Maine | Sep. 2018 - Jan. 2020
Event Coordinator | Key Holder | Social Media & Marketing Lead
Increased sales and target outreach through branding and social media strategies, community engagement, and creating incentive through educational experiences.