If you’re like me, then you probably pay little attention to the food you scoff down. Youngsoon Jin is the total opposite and studies food to such an extent that she painstakingly incorporates every line and crease in her monochrome illustrations. In our latest spotlight, Youngsoon tells us the artistic mediums she hopes to take on in the future, and her beloved university mentor.
Q: Hello Youngsoon! Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
A: Hello Masya! I am an Australian visual artist of Korean decent. I was born and raised in Japan. I moved to Australia in 2007.
I studied sculpture in Japan but I have always loved drawing. I produce my work from my home studio in Adelaide. I am a mother of a 6 year old son also.
Q: Who inspires you? What inspires your art?
A: Everyday life, such as the food we consume, what I see everyday, and the social problems surrounding myself and other people are inspirations.
Q: Do you have a preferred medium?
A: I prefer pencil and charcoal on paper. However, I would like to explore new technology such as digital paper and stylus pencil in the near future.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Realistic, sensitive, and fragile.
Q: Can you please describe your artistic and creative process i.e.: from lingering idea to putting it into practice?
A: As I studied sculpture, I see things as sculptural objects. My main subject over the last few years is the food we consume everyday. I start by playing with the material, the food itself, and take many photos of it. Then I do few sketches, and construct the idea gradually.
Q: Where do you see your art practice taking you in the next five years?
A: I would like to see myself continuing to produce work, and hopefully I can extend my career interstate. Also, as a parent of a young child, I am interested in art education. I hope to see myself working with children and art in the future.
Q: If you could recommend one artist, who would it be?
A: I love Glenn Gould. He is a pianist, not a visual artist, but I love seeing his music in my head.
Q: What is your favourite gallery?
A: My favourite gallery is Prospect Gallery. This is my local gallery and the first gallery in which I exhibited my work in Australia.
Q: Where can we find more of your work?
A: Please visit my website, Instagram and Facebook page. Currently, I’m working on a new body of work for my upcoming exhibition at JPE Design Studio in September, so please check with them for anything new.
Q: If you could pick any artist – dead or alive – to mentor you, who would it be?
A: A Japanese sculptor, Toshio Sasaki. He was my mentor in the final year of my degree at university. That year wasn’t enough time for me, and sadly he has passed away. He had such generosity and respect towards young, striving artists. I wish I could visit his studio again for a coffee and a chat.
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