Congratulations to Haejin Yoo for earning her place as a Finalist in the Boynes Artist Award 10th Edition!

Who are you?

Hello, My name is Haejin Yoo. I am originally from Korea and grew up in Sydney Australia currently living in Germany with my husband and a 2 year old daughter.

I have always had a passion for art, tracing back to my earliest memories. As a child, I was deeply interested in drawing and painting, winning competitions in kindergarten and throughout primary school. Despite my talents being recognised early on, they weren’t nurtured to their full potential.

At the age of 12, I started living alone abroad, which meant pursuing my dream wasn’t a feasible option. My adolescent years were focused on achieving stability and safety, leading me to study fields far removed from art—I completed a bachelor's degree in biomedical science and a master's in molecular biotechnology. After my studies, I landed a good job as a chemical regulatory affairs analyst at major global chemical companies. Although my life gradually improved, providing the stability I aimed for, I felt an inner emptiness and a sense of not belonging that I struggled with for years.

At 25, a chance reconnection with drawing—initiated by sketching and encouragement from my sister, who was studying architecture—rekindled my artistic pursuits. I continued in my corporate role until I was 32, despite being profoundly unhappy. The turning point came when my now-husband expressed a desire to live abroad. We moved to Europe, where I left my career behind. It was a long journey of self-discovery, but I always returned to painting. The COVID-19 pandemic was a period of intense skill refinement for me in acrylic painting. The birth of my daughter marked a new chapter. It pushed me to work harder and become more active creatively. Today, I have developed a series of works that I am truly proud of. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, who believed in me when no one else did, and the love for my daughter, who motivates me to stay focused and work tirelessly so that I can be a mother she can be proud of.

What inspired you to utilize painting as a medium?

When I started drawing and painting again I taught myself to use various mediums: coloured pencils, watercolour paints, Copic markers, acrylic pouring, and resin art, before finally teaching myself to paint with acrylics. This was particularly challenging as I admired the effects of oil paintings and strived to replicate them with acrylics, a medium difficult to blend.

As I was drawn to the challenge of acrylic paint, it became something I wanted to conquer as other mediums were easier to master. Acrylic paint has become my primary medium, but I have also integrated techniques involving woodwork, spray painting, and sometimes airbrushing to broaden the scope and depth of my work.

How would you describe your ARTwork?

My artwork can be described as surreal yet deeply emotional, often weaving through tones of melancholy. While some may find aspects of my pieces somewhat eerie, others perceive a distinct beauty in them. This blend of emotions and visuals encourages viewers to explore the complexities of human experience, challenging their perceptions and prompting a deeper engagement with the themes I explore.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your finalist work?

The painting "Woman in the Bath VI" is part of my ongoing series where I delve into varied themes inspired by distinct individuals. This particular piece draws inspiration from my husband, an introverted person who carries a world of dreams and imagination within him. Unlike "Woman in the Bath III," which carries a more melancholic atmosphere, I aimed for "Woman in the Bath VI" to convey a more masculine and empowering vibe. This shift reflects the strength and depth of the inner world of the subject, mirroring the placidness and introspection of my husband’s personality.

Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your finalist work?

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

In my artwork, I aim to reflect the common human need for solitude and the complex emotions that come with it. My pieces explore the feelings of loneliness, fear, creativity, and beauty that we experience when we are alone with our thoughts. Through my "Woman in the Bath" series, I portray these moments of personal reflection and emotional depth, emphasising how these experiences connect us all.

Can you discuss your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

Throughout my artistic journey, I’ve encountered numerous mistakes and failures. One significant early mistake was not staying true to myself. Initially, I did not fully embrace my unique identity, which led to creating art that didn’t resonate with me personally. This disconnect made it difficult for me to maintain a consistent theme or develop a signature style. Influenced by other artists I admired, I strayed from discovering what truly spoke to me.

Embracing my quirkiness and my unusual tastes, along with acknowledging my battles with mental illness, has profoundly shaped my work, particularly in my "Woman in the Bath" series. This series finally reflects who I am, allowing me to paint in a way that feels authentic and deeply personal.

A pivotal lesson I learned is that being an artist is akin to running a marathon—it's crucial to find a sustainable balance to avoid burnout. I used to work 14 hours a day, including weekends, which led to frequent burnouts and doubts. Recently, I've adjusted my schedule to ensure I can continue creating without compromising my mental health or family time.

Technically, I refined my approach to using acrylics. Initially, I diluted my paint with water to achieve multiple layers and smooth blending, but was dissatisfied with the matte finish. It made the artwork look dull. To address this, I switched to using GAC 100 medium from Golden Acrylics, which gives my paintings a more vibrant, oil-like sheen that I much prefer. This adjustment has greatly enhanced the visual impact of my work.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

One of the most significant milestones in my artistic career was being featured as the banner artist for The Other Artfair in London in March 2024. The banner, prominently displayed and measuring approximately 3 metres in height and width, represented a major acknowledgment of my work in a highly competitive setting. The art fair receives between 800-900 applications, from which only about 150 artists are selected to exhibit. These artists are all highly professional and experienced, and among approximately 1000 paintings submitted, having mine chosen for the banner was an immense honour and a testament to my achievements, particularly as a self-taught artist.

This recognition was especially meaningful given the scepticism I faced early in my career. Being told outright that my lack of formal art education would limit my opportunities made me unsure of my potential for success. The selection of my work as the banner at such a prestigious event not only validated my skills and dedication but also proved that passion and self-direction can indeed culminate in recognition and success within the art community. This experience has been an empowering affirmation of my path as an artist.

Can you give us the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best piece of advice I've ever received came from a fellow artist friend in Barcelona. He told me that being an artist is like being in a marathon. This metaphor has deeply influenced how I approach my career. It reminds me that success in art isn't about short bursts of fame or rapid achievements but about persistence, endurance, and the long-term dedication to one's craft. This advice has helped me stay focused and patient, maintaining my passion and commitment through the ups and downs of a creative life.

What projects are you working on currently?

I’ve recently completed "Woman in the Bath VIII," a piece that took two months to finalise. This artwork continues to explore the introspective and nuanced themes characteristic of the series. I am excited about this piece as it represents a further refinement of my techniques and a deeper exploration of the emotional landscapes that define the series.

Currently, I am preparing to start on "Woman in the Bath IX." I have just built a new frame for this painting, which marks the beginning of another immersive journey into the visual and thematic elements that have shaped this series. Each artwork in this series builds on the last, allowing me to delve deeper into the complex interplay of solitude, emotion, and beauty.

What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?

Next year, I plan to embark on creating much larger paintings, aiming for dimensions around 150cm. This scale represents a new challenge and an opportunity to expand the impact and expression of my work. Additionally, I'm looking to further develop my carpentry skills and create an artwork that is purely made of wood. This project is particularly exciting as it will allow me to merge my artistic vision with hands-on craftsmanship, bringing a new dimension to my creative expression.

As a finalist, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?

My advice for artists looking to submit their work to awards, competitions, and residencies is to first focus on building a robust portfolio. Having a diverse and strong collection of works not only enhances your submission but also provides a clear representation of your artistic identity and evolution.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that not succeeding on your first try doesn't mean you won't succeed in the future. Each submission is an opportunity to be seen by curators and other influential figures in the art world. Even if you don’t win, the exposure can be invaluable. They might remember your work for future opportunities, so it’s always worth trying again with different artworks. Keep putting yourself out there—it’s a vital part of growing as an artist.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

My advice to fellow artists is simple yet profound: Paint what makes you happy. There's a popular saying in Korea that encapsulates the essence of this philosophy: “A genius cannot beat someone who works hard, someone who works hard cannot beat someone who enjoys it, and someone who enjoys it cannot beat a crazy person (driven by passion).” This saying highlights the power of passion and enjoyment in our work. When you truly enjoy what you are doing, it not only reflects in the quality of your work but also sustains your drive and commitment over time. Let your passion guide you, and don’t be afraid to be the ‘crazy person’ who is completely driven by their artistic pursuits.

More about Haejin Yoo

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