The most rewarding thing about blogging is when you get meaningful comments. And those comments give you new motivation. I recently got a great comment about my picture book project.

If you put your ideas into practice, declare them, and move forward, you will surely find people with the same good energy. I have created a small group of these artists and writers. We are currently meeting monthly to publish two books.

The words and illustrations of the talented young authors who joined me on my project last year are having a meaningful impact.
Send feedback

​Seeing their work resonate with audiences highlights the power of young voices and the beauty of collaboration. I am incredibly proud of their dedication and the growth they have shown throughout this journey.

These young artists and writers continue to remind us that imagination and passion can drive positive change. I look forward to supporting their future endeavors!

​One day, when my painting was not going well, I fell into a deep slump. I was so helpless that I couldn’t even draw a small picture. I thought that I should find another way to make a living even now. At that time,  $1 watercolor paints caught my eye. I drew a small candle with my daughter’s watercolor paints on a small piece of paper as if I was possessed by something. And this small picture brought me a bright light. After drawing this picture, I was able to draw again. I received a small comfort through the small picture. And I wanted to share that comfort with others, so I uploaded the image to a free image sharing site. I still receive messages of gratitude from people all over the world. And these messages and encouragement often lift me up when I’m about to give up. There is energy in a picture. I want to draw pictures that give people hope, comfort, and laughter.

How can a new path be opened? When something is not resolved and people are frustrated, they hope for luck that will solve this problem at once. However, luck is not given by a person's efforts or thoughts. That is why people say that they wish for luck. Luck is given like a surprise gift.

In general, there is a time when they look back on themselves before this luck is given. At that time, they may be going through the darkest time in their lives, just as the time before the sun rises at dawn is the darkest. So they desperately hope for a ray of light to shine in their lives. Perhaps during this time, they may have tried everything they can as a human being, but were disappointed by the dismal results and lost the courage to try any more. During this time, people often blame their fate. They blame everything, such as the people they met, the environment, and the conditions, and lament that if only someone had helped them a little more, they would have had a better result.

However, in order for us to open a new path, we must have the right judgment. In this sense, some wise people think that luck is determined by judgment. During a time of luck, we make the right decisions and think as if our eyes are opened. With good habits, your speech and attitude will change, and your attitude towards life will change. And if you have this kind of bright energy, naturally, a good path will open up and you will see it. Then, if you can't see the path, you will know that the fastest way is to light a candle in your heart and brighten up your surroundings. It is difficult to brighten up your surroundings, but at least you can brighten up your heart inside.

This is the most difficult but easy thing to do. I just have to change 'myself. If I change 'myself' who resented and complained, not the environment that I resented and complained about, a new path will open up from this me.

​If you look at the world with a positive mind and attitude, you will have the right judgment. Then, you will clearly see the path and goal that you should take.

​I finally received my master's degree. After a year and a half of journey, including the summer semester, I graduated with the Dean's Award. The reason I received this award is because I had a GPA of 4.0 (at least 3.8) and was recommended by the faculty. I feel very rewarded because I studied to the best of my ability for a year and a half. I attempted to obtain a master's degree for the first time in 20 years. 20 years ago, I received a master's degree in a field other than art. Then I moved to Germany and then to the United States, and 20 years later I was able to study again. Because it was such a difficult opportunity, I studied not for grades or a bright future, but because I really wanted to study.

And more than anything, I was happy and grateful just for being able to study. This is because we are well aware that studying is something that can only be done when society is stable. I can study comfortably only with the support of my community and family. My studying requires someone's sacrifice and support. We can never get anything for free. I didn't want to let this hard-earned opportunity go to waste. So I didn't calculate anything and just studied. Of course, my diligent study resulted in a 4.0 score and I even received the Dean's Award today.

​In Western terms, it is self-expression, but in Korean terms, this type of achievement is not often revealed. But I want to express my accomplishments today. Because I know very well that there are people like me who want to try another field 20 years from now. As someone who took the first step, I would like to send endless support, applause, and respect to their decision. Because I know very well how difficult it is.

​Today's pre-commencement lasted for a total of 2 hours, with the award ceremony lasting 1.5 hours and the reception followed by 30 minutes of refreshments. The staff responded kindly. I thank them all. I especially liked how pre-submitted family photos were displayed in a slideshow between ceremonies. My family also loved looking at the photos. An individual's accomplishments are the accomplishments of his family, friends, and community around him. I hope to always remember this gratitude and grow well as an artist along with the surrounding community.

I'm looking to revise my local gallery's statement piece for the new year. This statement was written in the early days of my activities in the United States, and it looks like it will be updated a lot. Comparing to now, I can see that I have grown a lot as an artist. Although I need to grow further in the future, I think this statement has helped me create a new vision as an artist. 

The update is a wider variety of exhibition activities. He also earned a master's degree from Adelphi University. He taught children and published children's books. Meanwhile, my career and vision as an artist were growing. I organized this : 

​Since its debut at the Poly Gallery in Germany in 2011, Anna has been actively engaged in over 60 domestic and international exhibitions and received various awards. Throughout her career for many years, trying to understand the message nature gives to humans through her paintings, and she has experienced healing and transformation.

She has been an art advocate for the community, participating in local art shows and exhibitions as a Stony Brook-based artist, especially since 2013, when she moved to the United States and received her citizenship. Above all, Anna is deeply passionate about art education.  Her commitment to education is a cornerstone of her journey as an artist. She has been cultivating her vision by teaching her students, publishing her children's books, and since earning her Master's degree from Adelphi Graduate School in 2023. Her books are available on the Amazon store. (https://www.amazon.com/author/annakoh)

  Lastly, as an artist, she communicates with art lovers worldwide through her blog, and through this, she develops her world of work. Her philosophy doesn't just create in isolation – she thrives on connection. Through her blog, she engages with art lovers worldwide, offering glimpses into her creative process and the stories behind her masterpieces. Daily, she shares the progress of her work, inviting fans to join her on this artistic journey.

You can see her story by visiting her official website, annakoh.com.
​

I think the artist's statement should be updated every year. This is because artists also continuously grow through their work. To achieve this, I believe that artists must grow by communicating with the world rather than isolating themselves.
​
I got this answer through the master's program I recently graduated from, which expanded the scope of my work. ​Personally, I can say that this journey has been the most rewarding course I have made in the last year.
​
​