Richer in Sensibility
Interview
Fida Spoke to artist Hyevin Namgoong
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When did you first get into drawing?
My mom was a teacher at an art academy. With this background where I had easy access to art, I naturally started drawing with various materials at my mom’s academy while she was working there. Sometimes, she would put on some music. Occasionally, on special days like Christmas, we would decorate Christmas trees together. I spent a few years with the joy and happiness that drawing brought to me. I truly believe my mom’s workplace was a good starting place to foster my creativity and artistry. And because I grew up with art, I think my perspective and understanding of art are more positive than other kids when I entered elementary school. However, on the other hand, I felt a lot more anxious psychologically and was richer in sensibility than other kids. I think that’s why I use a lot of fine lines when drawing and pay extra attention to the changes in each line.
Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?
It was after watching the Coco Chanel exhibition that I started to get inspired by fashion. From that point, I started to draw paintings designed with inspirations I got from various designers’ clothes. I had never felt eager to want to be something or been so fascinated by something. Is there anything more chic and cooler than fashion?
What is your particular working day as a creative?
I’ve been very busy lately ever since I started working as a journalist. I plan to expand my perspective on art, study more in-depth, promote my works more, and build my social circle to create my own opportunity as a journalist. I’m currently living with my parents, but I want to make my own studio and focus on my work as much as I can for the rest of my life. I think the most creative ideas come out when I start drawing at night and finish in the morning. I get very rich in sensibility at dawn. I also tend to draw with the best ideas when I’m emotionally stable and surrounded with a well organized environment.
What tools do you use when creating your images?
Because I visualise my ideas, I need a Pinterest, ruler, two pencils, and a small sketchbook when I’m drawing on paper. I don’t draw exactly like the picture, but I usually draw combining good faces, poses, and clothes from my pictures. I can’t hesitate after colouring, so I try my best to come up with ideas and organise the sketch perfectly. There is no definite answer in drawing, so sometimes it comes out completely different than what I planned.
Who or what has influenced you over the years as an artist?
I’m extremely competitive and hate losing. If I’m around people who are passionate about their work, I get inspiration from them and also get enthusiastic. I also started drawing in earnest as I studied abroad. It wasn’t hard living away from my parents even if I was lonely, but it was other people who challenged me and made me go through hard times. There were people who tried to use me and suppress me. One of many reasons why I became a journalist is that I believe there will be a day I can broaden my perspectives and build up knowledge to talk about what I’ve been through and how I’ve overcome the insults that I sublimated to art. I’m never going to stop trying to be the best in my field and for them to never suppress me again.
Who or what has influenced you over the years as an artist?
My inspirations are quite broad 'stylistically'. They range from the Pre-Raphaelites to Mark Rothko's work. They seem to be worlds apart, but this is what I love about art – its infinite variety.
I love it when a piece of art moves me and stays with me for a long time. I remember how moved I was by the 2009 'The Horn of Plenty' show by Alexander McQueen. It was such a strong experience, it still gives me goosebumps when I think about it. That was when my love for fashion began, the dark and disturbing performances that seem to be more like theatre than fashion shows.
What advice do you have for younger artists looking to be part of this industry?
I really hope some people realise that others' work is as precious as theirs. Competition is about challenging oneself and not about dragging others down. Even if there are artists who have better talents than you, you should try to learn from them. If you are stubborn with your own beliefs, you won’t improve because you are limited to them. You should always try and accept new things and get rid of the mindset that what you know is everything. If not, you will fall behind and be stuck in your own world. Also, you need to have a habit of self objectification and checking yourself thoroughly in many ways. You always need to be humble.
What are you drawing today? Music are you listening to? Books that you are
reading? Favourite artist/designer at the moment?
I’m currently preparing my second exhibition. Up until now, I have drawn observational drawings with pictures of models, but I want to strengthen my art perspective and show my artistic aspect. I’m going to draw pictures that show my characteristics and impress people. I like books, but I watch more news than reading books. I can find out what has been a big issue lately, what people are interested in, and what I should draw next as an artist. News also helps me direct the path I should take in the future, and so on. If I have time, I want to read more books.
There are many artists I love, but I have listened to Destiny Rogers a lot recently. She’s around my age, and I just think she’s really cool every time I look at her. I listen to music while I’m working on my drawings, and her music helps me concentrate really well. I especially like her song “Northside”.