For this week’s Sunday Visit, we catch up with Youngmin Lee, a textile artist that uses the bojagi tradition and techniques to create her work. After she moved to California in 1996, she actively worked on preserving the Korean bojagi tradition that embodies the philosophy of recycling and up-cycling.
She is currently working closely with the Asian American community on community engaged projects and workshops at the Asian Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Saint Louis Art Museum. Her new book, Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles with Techniques and Projects, is coming out in 2024.
Obviously, Youngmin is busy. We were so happy she took the time to be part of this week’s Sunday Visit.
(Next week you can catch her live on FEEDBACK FRIDAY giving a presentation on her work! RSVP here.)
Now let’s learn about Youngmin…
Tell me about what drew you to Bojagi.
My affection for textiles led me to study clothing and textiles in college and fashion design at graduate school. After I graduated, I worked in the fashion industry for a few years. When my family moved from Seoul to California, I had to find a new way to keep myself busy while I adjusted to many new things and unfamiliar surroundings. I tried many different forms of textile arts and I realized bojagi and Korean textile art fit me well and was comfortable to explore. Ever since, I make and share bojagi with creative people.
How has all of the creative work you do evolved over the years?
Oh, yes! I started with making very traditional styles and practical bojagi for myself at the beginning. Gradually I expanded my making to express myself and to share culture and tradition with others. I’ve taught workshops on techniques, led community bojagi projects, and formed the Korea Textile Tour program. This is all creative work that nurtures.
Do you have a favorite color you’re drawn to as part of your art?
I love many colors and various color combinations make me feel excited. Currently, I am in love with an indigo blue and orange combination.
For our next presentation of FEEDBACK FRIDAY on September 8th, 9am Pacific/Noon Eastern, we welcome textile artist, Youngmin Lee. Youngmin will talk about her practice using Korean textile traditions that include bojagi and her ultimate journey to find happiness. That’s right, a journey into happiness through making and serving community. I’m happy just writing this blurb on her.
RSVP.
Want to channel traditional Korean dyes in preparation for Youngmin’s talk? Try out some (restocked!) indigo, safflower petals and sappanwood. Our storewide sale is still in effect so take 10% off until Tuesday!