Target Padded spring jacket from Colorado

Mead, Colorado

I visited Colorado to see my art teacher last March. She used to be my art academy every Saturday when I was in Tulsa. I don’t remember how, but with mutual friends I ended up learning and exploring paint on canvas with such freedom she gave me. Hana and I would drive together in Saturday mornings to her house all the way on 220st st which was about 20 mins on highway, and her little one year old Peter will be waiting for us in front of the house, yelling “Emo! Emo!” meaning aunt, in Korean. This all started way before I knew I wanted to study photography or art. I wasn’t sure but that unnamed desire inside me wanted to find a place where I could do art. And EJ’s place was the perfect place. She would give us dried-lemon tea, korean crackers, and her white Maltese Chloe would always put her butt next to my feet. Now Peter is 10 years old, and during that time I changed my major twice to Fine art, decided to go to London to study Fashion Photography, and currently studying MFA Photography in Georgia. EJ always carefully listened to my change of shifts going closer to my dreams and encouraged me that I am fully capable.

EJ and her family moved to Colorado almost two years ago, and I decided to make a visit to visit her again, not necessarily to do art, but to feel safe somehow that I am on the right track. The room I was staying in had old, dark wood furnitures that seemed like it came from Korea, and the bright afternoon light came in from the window and touched the Zizi plant on the shelf. Outside there was snow still in the backyard as it snowed the first day. And surprisingly, on the bathroom door there was this jacket hanging. Her painting of a girl wearing Hanbok was hung next to the door, that she started in Tulsa. EJ told me she bought the jacket at Target but thought I would suit it better than her. I was surprised because I already had two jackets of those style, and wanted to get the third one but didn’t. It seemed like God knew what I wanted to pursue and go all for it, without hesitation or giving up.

Which everytime I wear the jacket it reminds me of Colorado, Mead, where I stayed for almost a week. I told EJ how I want to switch my MFA program towards painting so I could focus more on Mixed Media work. Again, she was more than an encouragement for me; she trusted my instincts and talents than I knew. Time with Peter and Esther (his younger sister!) was so memorable, playing overcook until midnight, was a gift for me.

Vintage light blue denim two piece set

Summer Daffodils

I wish there are more two pieces in any kind of accessible brands; I would love it if there is a brand that just does two piece. I just recently got my first sample from a proper design studio preparing my boutique, and my next sample is actually going to be a two piece. So exciting. I wore this piece not even twice, but already gave it to the pastor’s wife at the church here in Alabama. I thought she would look perfect in it, and we are planning to have a denim- small group photoshoot in few weeks. Before the summer runs in.

Pippetta

I think the left photo has the closest color of the shoes, It’s that deep turquoise that is in between green and blue. I haven’t worn them for a while because it was so hot and humid here recently… Just sandals! Whoa. Can’t wait to wear some spring & summer collection from here for sure. These photos were actually right before I officially started to take daily look photos, so I was kind of lost. It’s been a really long time since I always wanted a fashion blog, and finally I am glad I have this space where I can constantly talk about clothes and memories.

Faded Yellows

I recently really think about what I love and enjoy; and push myself to another level where I really have them close to me. There is life, school, errands, and responsibilities that I have which are not related to those passions I have, but I pray that I culminate that courage to say no to things that are not my 100%. And it’s difficult, and there are people around me that I need to meet somewhat expectation of them, but at the end of the day, they don’t live my life for me. The intentions towards me, is only important when it’s from God. It’s a constant practice and discipline.

Pipetta handmade shoes from Korea

Pipetta

I should really take proper photoshoot with the shoes- It’s just been popping up here and there randomly. Joy, the owner of Pipetta- was my flatmate in London when I went to London College of Fashion for my Masters. We lived about 20 minutes from oxford circus and we used to make Korean food together in that small kitchen and share our works and daily lives. Then it was already my second contract with the flat which I met her by a Korean friend introducing her to me and asked her if she was looking for a place to move. And she did!

I left back to the States after I received my degree, and she had few years for graduation and went back to Korea. It was such a great, great, news to hear when she contacted me with her new website and instagram. It was during when I was thinking a lot about my own clothing boutique where to start, and it was such an encouragement. I was so proud of her moving and making her first move to the point of launching her shoe line. It felt like my own dreams coming true and I genuinely told her I was so proud of her. Soon the winter collection came up on my feed and for the first sight I fell in love with the turquoise green velvet flats and ordered right away. Joy sent the parcel right away from Korea and in the box there were tons of stickers, brochure, socks, hand cream set, a Christmas card, and much love.

If you are wondering of her amazing, colorful collection, check here on their IG : https://www.instagram.com/pipetta_official/

Support your local stores, and keep dreaming your own ! :)

Spring Pink Vintage sweater

Spring is still here.

I have worn this sweater too many times that the button holes are widening up… The first time I wore this I was asked if I knitted it. It’s funny I get that question a lot, maybe when I am good enough in sewing I should really learn knitting, or maybe, crochet. The sweater is from thrift store in Beaufort, South Carolina, I might be wrong- maybe Tulsa. It has that unique texture that is not fully cashmere or wool. It almost feels like those sleeping socks from Korea. Even though the sweater is not from here where I am in Alabama and Georgia, because I wore it mostly here during my winter & spring quarter now the clothing feels like it’s from here in the East.

Recently in my painting class we talked about objects that have human traces on it. Why would we decide to learn sewing from my aunt rather than going on youtube to find quick information, if she is the master at it. Why do we feel a bit frozen when we walk into that white, polished, gallery with many expensive artworks? In our artwork critique room there are many wooden chairs with paint on it, and they were the perfect example as well. Yes, craft is something less recognizable than art, just like etsy artists are not necessarily artists who create work for the gallery. But the reason why I keep trying beyond photography is because I want to have more of my trace, time, and touch- in my works. And one of the big part is using fabric, as worn clothing, used fabric, represent household, humanity, and more.

I would actually love to make artwork someday that literally is made with my clothing with memory. Somehow it would be formed to re-express that memory, emotions, and relationships. Don’t know how. But I’m pretty sure it will be the main source of works. I believe I am slowly getting there, enjoying this current journey.

I enjoyed those green flowers, I’m not too sure if they are part of the flower category, but they lasted green and fresh and fluffy for the longest time. The small magenta roses did dry up pretty quick (but beautifully), but even without the roses the greenery and the baby’s breath really brightened up my studio table. 봄이라는 현재의 아름다운 계절에, 마음껏 머무르기를.