Unfolding Life Through Art, Travel and Faith

Bio
Sophia Hyun is an international abstract artist based in the United States. Her painting styles have been influenced by the many cultures she has explored. Sophia loves to travel the world and be exposed to new places in order to open her mind to a deeper understanding of humanity and nature. She has a deep fascination with the multifaceted quality of the human spiritual experience and she loves to express her passion for this phenomenon through her art. Sophia holds a BA Degree from UCLA and has extensive professional backgrounds in the Fashion and Interior Design industries.
Artist Statement
The essence of my creative artwork reflects my passion for colors, nature, meditation, music, architecture, travel and my experiences in life. My background in Interior Architecture, Fashion and Interior Design have an enormous influence on my works. As an evolving abstract artist I work intuitively and expressively. My medium is mostly acrylic paint on canvas, wood and paper. The most important elements of my artistic technique involves the harmonious integration of colors, forms, layers, textures, compositions, unique mark makings, and the modulation of various mediums expressing the beauty of movement within an atmosphere of joy. Abstraction is my main tool of inspiration and through my work I aim to evoke a beautiful and contemplative experience of emotions being felt in the moment - rhythms of synergy that affects the human's mood.
MORE ABOUT SOPHIA...
What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?
One day several years ago, I learned the S.H.A.P.E. affirmation which changed my point of view on life: “I am not who I think I am, and I am not who you think I am, but I really am who God says I am!” S.H.A.P.E. stands for Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. It helped me understand that I was created with a purpose on this earth and that I need to share with others the gifts and talents that God gave me, while giving Him all the glory. This affirmation opened my eyes to a new perspective and a specific reason to integrate art creation into my life. I will always love the S.H.A.P.E. affirmation because it is helping me fulfill my longing for completeness in life.
What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself as?
I see myself as an artist who is constantly learning, observing, experimenting, creating, and evolving through all of my various experiences during the artistic journey that my life has become. As an abstract expressionist, I love to portray uplifting thoughts and emotions in each of my many colorful art pieces.
What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?
I believe that colors are powerful media which act as bridges across the various energies and emotions that rhythmically affect human moods. When a viewer spends time enjoying my art, my wish is that he or she will fully and emotionally explore these uniquely evocative compositions – and the movement across shapes, colors, and marks which are all interacting, vibrating, and contrasting with each other – and then feel positive, contemplative, and joyful.
Can you explain the process of creating your work?
I have found that my faith in God ignites my creative instincts more than anything else. I also feel inspired by nature, colors, music, and traveling. All of these forces open my mind to a deeper understanding of humanity and nature. My artistic technique involves a harmonious blending of forms, the integration of various materials, and in-the-moment intuitive expression combined with the beauty of movement.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
Whenever I have an opportunity to create artwork, I get very excited. My heart rate rises the most when I see a blank white canvas and many colors of paint nearby. The mixing of paint colors with various media inspires me to start painting promptly. I fully enjoy the entire process of choosing colors and layering them onto the canvas with brushes, palette knives, and various other tools until a beautiful blending of forms takes place.
Exhibitions
2022 - Juliana Cannes, "Contemporary & Fine Art Cannes Biennale", by MAMAG Modern Art Museum, Cannes, France
2022 - Huntington Beach Art Center, "Centered on the Center", California, USA
2021 - Carrousel Du Louvre, "Salon d'art contemporain", Paris, France
2019 - Brick Lane Gallery, "Abstract Exhibition", London, UK
2019 - Newport Beach City Arts Commission, "Newport Beach Art Exhibition", Newport Beach, California, USA
2019 - Laguna Beach City Hall, "Art That's Small at the City Hall", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2019 - Saddleback Church, "Solo Show", Anaheim, California, USA
2018 - Laguna Art-A-Fair Fine Art Festival, Laguna Beach, California, USA
2018 - Newport Beach City Arts Commission, "Newport Beach Art Exhibition", Newport Beach, California, USA
2018 - First Thursdays Art Walk Laguna Beach, "Mystery Box", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2018 - Laguna Beach City Hall, "Art That's Small at the City Hall", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2018 - Virga Gallery, "Group Show", Laguna Beach, California, USA
2017 - Saddleback Visual Arts, "The Creative Invitation WAI Show", Lake Forest, California, USA