aiga kimyounghwa Story

"My Story"

My story began in difficult circumstances. My family faced financial struggles, and I couldn’t attend kindergarten. Instead, I spent my time at my father’s pottery stdio, where I started painting on ceramics at the age of sixteen.

Our situation was so challenging that I couldn’t attend middle school for a year and had to take care of my younger siblings as the head of the family. As a child, I gathered mugwort to sell at the market, using the earnings to pay for my academy fees. I loved studying and believed that education was the key to overcoming this hardship. As a result, I dedicated myself to my studies and became an excellent student.

Thanks to my passion for art, I entered Hongik University without retaking exams. However, the reality after graduation didn’t meet my expectations. I married someone I loved, but I wasn’t happy. After marriage, I suffered from postpartum depression and sank into deep despair. At that time, I decided to quit running my academy and devoted myself entirely to painting.

My true journey began when I entered graduate school. During that time, I encountered God, who gave me strength, hope, and inspiration. Painting brought me genuine happiness, and I poured my heart and soul into creating art.

Since then, I have held 65 solo exhibitions. Among them, the most significant turning point was my journey as a golf artist. Golf healed my wounded heart and allowed me to meet many people. Through these encounters, I pioneered a new genre of golf painting. While sketching golfers during their drives, I honed my drawing skills to be both fast and precise. Repeated practice made me confident and capable of drawing skillfully, anywhere and anytime.

Returning home from the golf course, I developed the daily habit of painting, which continues to this day. This consistency has shaped who I am today and infused my works with a deeper vitality.

In 2019, amidst the pandemic, I created a new series called “Magic Moment.” This series expanded beyond golf paintings to capture the harmony of Eastern and Western aesthetics. The combination of gold and black ink in my paintings conveys life, hope, and a powerful message of healing.

Despite countless challenges, I have continued to take steps toward my dreams. Through my “Creation of Heaven and Earth” series inspired by my encounter with God, I aim to step onto an even larger stage. In January, one of my paintings was chosen as the cover of a novel, and I believe this will allow more people to experience the energy and meaning behind my work.

All these experiences have contributed to my growth as an artist. My paintings now bring hope, healing, and life to others. The drawing skills I developed on the golf course and my daily dedication to painting have made me who I am today. Through the harmony of Eastern and Western influences reflected in my “Magic Moment” series, I hope to continue inspiring and energizing people worldwide.


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The book mentioned above is a proof copy 💙💖. It will be available in bookstores in January.
Kim Myung-Ja’s novel, 6 Days + Alpha

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