Artist of the Month June 2018

Junkyu Lee

Mukilteo, WA

I was born in 1968, in Seoul, Korea. Raised and educated in Seoul, I had a strong background in the fine arts in college with a focus in the artistic department. After attending the Hongik University in Seoul, I received a bachelor of fine arts degree. After graduating, I had job teaching at a high school in Korea, and built my career as an artist. I moved to Seattle in 2003, while continuing to teach students and paint my works in my studio. I have had many group exhibits every year since 2007. I have won multiple national and regional juried art competitions since 2013.

How and when did you start creating art?

I'd like to say that I've been creating art my whole life. During my childhood, I spent most of my time drawing things like cars, airplanes, and tanks, filling up most of my notebooks.

What media and genres do you work in?

I work in oils, pastel, and colored pencil. I mostly do landscape and cityscape paintings.

Who or what are your influences?

I love the works of Rembrandt, Dali, and Magritte. When I was a child, I remember seeing Rembrandt’s painting, and being inspired to become an artist. Rembrandt is an important inspirational figure, who led me to pursue a career in art.

What was your inspiration for 1st Ave in Seattle?

I was pulled to create this work because, after seeing the stark contrast in the bright and darkness of the city, I felt a strong need to express its beauty. My work, 1st Ave in Seattle, is to me a way to represent the neglected things in our lives. My painting offers insight of something, seemingly unimportant, actually being meaningful.

Describe your creative process?

My artworks capture those everyday moments which we tend to easily lose sight of. In my daily experiences, I recognize in myself “an obtuse person” who is longing for the things that are not appreciated. Anyone can have such an experience. I want to recollect such a reflection and depict an earnest feeling of cherishing every second in my drawings and paintings.

What are you working on currently?

Currently, I am working on many cityscape painting around the Seattle area. I would like to keep expressing people's daily lives through my works.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

As a multiple award-winning artist, I would like to remain quite active in juried regional and international art shows. My most aspiring goal is to one day be an artist who is known around the world.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

My work can be viewed online on my website: http://www.junkyulee.com  On the painting and drawing page, you can find a list of most of my works throughout the years.