I have been hurt by harsh words from people I loved. Why did they say such things in those moments? I invited some elders with heartfelt excitement and longing, hoping to show them my life in America. But one of them looked around and said, "So you're wasting your life here."

She often planted sharp thorns in people’s hearts with her words. It became so common that no one questioned it anymore. Every time she opened her mouth, someone ended up wounded. One day, I realized I could no longer face her directly. It was a natural response. But even as time passed, the contrast between my sincere intentions and her cold reaction continued to sadden me. I was hurt because I offered warmth, and what I received was dismissal and disdain.

This is only one example. Throughout life, we encounter people whose twisted minds and words clash painfully with our hearts. Sometimes, living with kindness feels like a disadvantage in a world that distorts everything. Such people, after twisting every situation, turn and say, “You’re the one with a twisted mind.”

Over time, I began to see the truth. I came to understand who was really distorting reality. I began to feel pity for her. Her life—one that caused pain while constantly positioning herself as the victim—offered me a powerful lesson.

We are all imperfect. Anyone can unintentionally hurt others. Actions driven by fear and insecurity can leave scars. But within that pain, if we communicate sincerely, we can move toward healing. Unfortunately, the world isn’t always open to this. It divides people into right and wrong and refuses to hear voices outside the accepted “truth.” In a world obsessed with competition and achievement, real connection is rare, and so everyone gets hurt.

That’s why I believe in art. Art has the power to cool down this overheated world. Today, I looked at one of my paintings—a piece that missed the exhibition deadline. It featured a vivid red flower standing tall in the wind and rain. Despite the storm, it danced like a shaman, unwavering in its beauty.

Through this painting, I found deep comfort. Why had I been painting to show others? I should have painted for myself. This flower, like me, holds a beautiful and empathetic spirit, even after being battered by life. I realized I must not let myself be broken.

If you are reading this and feel too wounded by the world’s cruelty and distorted language to continue, I hope you will look at this flower with me. See it. Your beauty cannot be broken. No matter how much others try to cover you with dirt, you are still a flower. The storm will wash you clean, and your brilliance will shine even more.
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Believe in yourself. The cruel words and warped messages you’ve received were never yours to carry. They came from others’ darkness. Never let them define you.
Smile. Create. And be happy today. You deserve it.

​Recently, my work was exhibited at the “Winners Showcase Fine Art Exhibition” held at Mills Pond Gallery.

It was featured in a local newspaper and captured in a photograph, and as an artist, that moment was a very overwhelming and grateful experience.

This exhibition was more than just a simple gallery exhibition; it was a place where the award-winning artists from the past year gathered together to showcase their works. The exhibition, in which nine award-winning artists participated, showcased the “depth and diversity of local art” through various media such as oil painting, watercolor painting, sculpture, and digital drawing.

My work was particularly themed on the vitality and flow of emotions that bloom in nature. I wanted to express the “movement” and “energy” contained in the painting, rather than simply reproducing objects through painting. In particular, this painting depicting the moment of the dancing fish Beta symbolically captures freedom, emotion, and the cycle of life.

When I saw my work in a newspaper article, I felt that the things I had been thinking about and trying through painting had reached someone. Art is often a solitary journey, but the fact that a small piece of that journey can be shared in a public space is very meaningful.

In the future, I want to continue to draw the world with a quiet but sincere gaze, and draw pictures that do not miss even the smallest emotional movements.

“For the Next Leap as an Artist”

Every time I exhibit my artwork, I find myself facing a quiet but powerful question:
“Have I grown since last year?”
It’s not just about producing something technically better--
It’s about creating something that reflects the way I’ve changed, evolved, and deepened as a person and an artist.

Art, to me, is an ongoing journey of renewal.
All the time I’ve spent trying to become a better version of myself—the long hours, the moments of doubt, the restless revisions, the quiet perseverance--
I want all of it to mean something, to leave a lasting impact, no matter how subtle.
So I gave this work everything I could.

I poured into it my energy, my emotions, my growth, and my hard-won understanding.

It may not be perfect—but it is authentic, and I’m truly satisfied with what I’ve created.
And I believe--
Each small effort, each quiet push forward, becomes the foundation for the next great leap.
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That next leap may not be higher, but it will be deeper in meaning, broader in resonance, and truer to who I am.
With that belief, I pick up my brush again, steady my heart, and step into the next phase of the journey.

​One of the greatest joys in life as an artist is the moment when my work is ‘seen’ by the world, and the moment when I am certain that I may have made a small impact on someone through that exposure.

For over 10 years, I have been consistently creating in this area.
The quiet, sincere, and ceaseless progress has piled up, and at some point, the fruits of my labor began to show.

I feel it every time my work is introduced in the local newspaper.

“Ah, my art is not just my own work, but is connected to the community.”

When someone reads the article, takes interest, visits the exhibition, and sometimes even starts a conversation,
all of those moments mean more to me than just exposure.

It is as if I am realizing that I am a small part of this area, contributing culturally,
and confirming my belief that art can play a role in the public sphere.

My life as a local artist quietly teaches me that being firmly rooted in the world is not about flashy growth,
but about maintaining that place and blooming steadily.

Exposure is not simply 'being seen',
it is a record of my presence,
it is proof that I was meaningful to someone.

And that is where I feel deep joy as an artist.

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.
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​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.