Arteles Catalogue 2023-2020

Write & Create program / NOVEMBER 2022
Yoomee Ko
USA / Korea
www.yoomeeko.com
About
Currently based in New York City, I am a TCK (Third Culture
Kid) curious about languages, cultures, landscapes and
the interconnectedness of the three in how they shape our
unique yet shared experiences. As a painter, I work mostly
in oils to capture the fragility and resilience of nature, and
its immense power to soothe without asking for anything in
return. As an aspiring poet, I like to dig deep into my emotions
and the stories of others. I often pair my visual works of art
with writing to accompany them, because words can do so
much; they can inspire, comfort, and lessen the weight we
carry inside.
Woodlands
I spent my days walking in the woods, wading through the
soft and wet grounds, meeting the gaze of a fawn, and
chasing after a fox. Transported from the daily grind of a city
life, Arteles gave me an opportunity to connect with nature
in a profoundly personal way. The four weeks in Finnish
woodlands taught me how to live with less and strengthened
my desire to nurture plants and wildlife. Instead of painting,
an additive process, I experimented with removing and
cutting out found objects on paper. In the process, I realized
how easy it is to keep taking from our environment, in fear
of not having enough. I want to change that, and unlock the
gift of kindness that can help all of us to give back to this
beautiful planet we call home.