Interview with Jasmine Seo
Jasmine Seo | United States
Jasmine Seo is a Seattle based surrealist with a propensity for enlightenment and an optimistic approach to life.
Although she mostly works with different pastels, she has been particularly enjoying incorporating illustration and printmaking techniques in her artwork as a powerful communication tool to help our society broaden their sense of understanding and wisdom for better harmony and peace, not only within ourselves but also in our life. Jasmine firmly believes that art isn't just as a communication tool that can connect mind to mind but a key to trace back to our inner world and re-connect.
In her artwork, personified animals are embodied in the process of re-discovering a ray of hope that might have faded and been lost in the pandemonium during our individual lifelong journey. The perspectives through her inner child's eye are intended to bring every one of us together to the point where we can reflect upon the past and present, and work towards a better future together.
Resuscitation
Contemporary Art Station: Tell us about how you got started. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Since I was very young I've always felt I was an artist. Any kind of art from drawing and painting to theatre and crafting was interesting to me. On a professional level I was looking for a way to enlighten people and help them break free of their restricted ideas and emotions.
CAS: What is your process like, from initial idea to the creation of the piece? Do you usually develop the idea for a project before you find the "canvas", or vice versa?
Since my art pieces all revolve around philosophy and spirituality, I normally look into myself to first find the concept I want to pursue. Depending on the artwork I may do a sketch to fully flesh out the idea or figure that out later on as I go.
CAS: What do you love most about your creative process?
I love diving deep into different perspectives and then burying the ideas and possibilities into my pieces. Since I'm a surrealist I can think in the abstract and use symbols as a reflection of my mind and to break common ideas that may be held.
It's interesting to think about how everyone's interpretation will be different and that there is no right answer.
Thyself
CAS: What role does art and the artist play in the broader social conversation today?
The artist opens gates to new approaches and ways of thinking through their art pieces, whether it's for escapism, fantasy or as a healing ritual. I think art is more impactful now than ever in today's society since everyone is so busy and becoming more tied down to their work, relationships and other responsibilities. It provides an opportunity to break free, even if just for a moment.
CAS: Name a few of your favourite artists and influences.
Some of my influences include Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Hermann Hesse and Carl Jung. The way that I was raised and my education helped broaden my viewpoints.
CAS: What is the best advice you received as an artist?
To stay original.
Just a Dream
CAS: When did you discover your voice as an artist?
When I was 8 years old I won a city creative writing competition for which I received compliments on my different way of looking at and elaborating on things. I used to be very timid and shy, so I used colors as a tool to express myself. I found I was obsessed with colors, I saw them as a way to reflect my personality and character and control how I wanted to be perceived by others that day.
CAS: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their own?
Don't be afraid to be unique.
Thank You Jasmine!
