About Sharon Kim
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Biography
I am a Korean-American artist who was born and grew up in South Korea. My journey into the world of art began when I was admitted to an art high school in Korea. At the young age of 16, I took my first steps into drawing. This initial experience was transformative, opening doors to various artistic disciplines that enriched my perspective.
In college, I chose to major in Fine Arts with a focus on Oriental Painting—a traditional form of art that captures the essence and beauty of East Asian culture. As I immersed myself in academia, I also felt a strong pull towards community service. I began volunteering, using art as a medium to connect with and uplift children from marginalized backgrounds. This experience was not just about teaching techniques; it was about sharing the joy of creation and the therapeutic power of art.
After moving to the United States, I studied and taught early childhood and special education. Interacting with these wonderful children filled me with deep love and respect for their resilience and unique perspectives. These interactions not only deepened my understanding but also became a source of inspiration for my work. Their stories, dreams, and aspirations began to be reflected in my paintings, adding depth and emotional layers to my creations.
Today, I am proud to be a full-time artist, creating and conceptualizing new pieces in my home studio located near Torrance in Los Angeles.
Education
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Bachelor of Arts (oriental painting), Sungshin Women's University in Korea
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LACC Child Development in United States
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LACC Infant & Toddler, Special Education in United States
Events & Exhibitions
Events 2024
• Interview with CanvasRebel Magazine
• Artistcloseup magazine #24 featured
• HONORABLE MENTION AWARD in the “10th ANIMAL“ TERAVARNA
• Emotions exhibition 2024 Gallerium.
• 10th Edition of the ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR.
• ArtBIAS 2 By Teravarna and Golden Duck Gallery in Hungary.
• BODYSPACES – CANVAS INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024 in Venice
• “STILL & LIFELESS 2" DISTINCTION 'GALLERY 4%’ gallery.
• 7th COLOR International Juried Art Competition HONORABLE MENTION AWARD.
• Life and Death 2024 An International Group Exhibition by Gallerium.
• Las Laguna Art Gallery 'All Things‘2024.
• InternationalLas Laguna Art Gallery "Women in Art" Exhibition.
• HONORABLE MENTION AWARD in the “9th LANDSCAPE” TERAVARNA.
• DISTINCTION Awards in Gallery 4% SCENES & PLACE – 3 Juried Art Contest.
Events 2023
• Superfine San Francisco Art Fair.
• Gallery 4% "Faces & Features" Art Contest.
• Las Laguna Art Gallery "Small Works - Big Talent" Exhibition.
• HONORABLE MENTION AWARD in the Teravarna Art Gallery "Portrait" International
• Las Laguna Art Gallery "Black, White or Grey" Exhibition.
• HONORABLE MENTION AWARD in the Teravarna Art Gallery "Flower" International
In Korea and the United States, I held several special exhibitions and contest award-winning exhibitions.
Artist Statement
Children with disabilities, each unique yet beautiful in their own right, awaken gratitude and appreciation within us. They remind us of the inherent value of moments and experiences we often take for granted in our lives. My art is inspired by these precious children, especially those on the autism spectrum.
Instead of the traditional Western canvas, I work with 'hanji' - a Korean traditional paper, and ink. Unlike canvases that accumulate layers of paint, hanji absorbs the ink, allowing colors to permeate and blend. This method, although unforgiving at times where even a single mistake might not be rectifiable, yields a result I find deeply satisfying. The spreading effect of the ink on hanji creates a rich spectrum of colors, while the ink lines bring life and dynamism to my works. This combination, coupled with my inspiration from these wonderful children, forms the essence of my art.
"New Spectrum: Exploring New Possibilities and Hope through Children with Developmental Disabilities" The concept of my work focuses on children with developmental disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum. 'New Spectrum' is a theme that encapsulates my artistic vision of adding a new perspective to the autism spectrum. It's a journey of exploring the inner world of children who experience the world in unique and diverse ways, different from our common understanding, and their infinite potential. My work aims to deepen viewers' understanding of the world of children with developmental disabilities, to respect their diverse perspectives and talents, and to recognize their special abilities.
Through my works, I seek to convey the infinite potential, new hope, and inspiration found in the lives of children with developmental disabilities, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusiveness. My artworks are based on the real experiences of children with developmental disabilities, stories from their families, therapists, and educators.