Today we’d like to introduce you to Malsu Lee Paparisto.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Buyeo, South Korea. It is one of the most beautiful and historic cities where one can see many beautiful mountains, the Gum River, rice fields that seasonally change colors, and the cultural heritage of the Baek Jae Dynasty. Every summer, the city holds the annual Baek Jae Cultural Festival. People from around the world enjoy Baek Jae Dynasty’s cultural events which include old and traditional Korean food, and a beautiful lotus garden full of lights. While growing up, I was educated in many different cultures and grew very curious about them. I especially loved learning about Europe countries and always wanted to visit them. As I got older, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit many different countries, therefore allowing me to expand my knowledge on the variety of cultures around the world. The experience of traveling has truly inspired me to express my emotions and challenge myself through art.
After graduating from college, I taught at a preschool in Anyang, South Korea for several years. Later, I moved to California to study fashion design at The Art Institute of California-Hollywood. After graduating, I worked in the Los Angeles Fashion Industry and met my husband. We got married and moved to Carlsbad. I later took many courses at Mira Costa College to learn how to draw, paint, etc. I was so intrigued by painting and other media and was amazed at how the process evoked such strong feelings with each colorful brush stroke! I was becoming more and more confident as I studied and experimented in different art fields.
Please tell us about your art.
Instead of painting on canvas or drawing on paper, I use woodblock to create two-dimensional art. In 2005, one of my old friends introduced me to woodblock carving.
When I saw a piece from James Spitzer for the first time, I was stunned and inspired, so I created a piece of my own. One piece turned into two, and two pieces turned into many more. The beauty of woodblock carving is that simple colors are used to define and emphasize subject matter. Hand chisels are used to carve out the wood and create depth.
Also, different strokes are used to create movement. Usually, my works carry different elements, such as mountains, trees, skies, water, buildings, bridges, etc. While creating each piece, I learned from my mistakes and built strong skills, helping me to improve my next woodblock carvings. I find inspiration in nature, places I have lived in or visited, and sometimes stemming from my own imagination. When looking at my carvings, I hope people can experience the great feeling of art.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Artists play a large role in society, as they choose topics that reflect on the world. By using art to express their feelings, they can persuade their audiences and make them think about how they can impact the world. These days, people are becoming more complex and divided, making it hard to talk about different subjects. I hope that my art can bring simplicity and peacefulness to viewers, influencing them with my thoughts and feelings.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Woodblock carving art pieces are so unique that when I started to display my pieces to the public, I received many compliments from viewers. Since making woodblock carvings takes a long time, I am only able to make a few pieces a year. I am a member of the Del Mar Art Center Gallery and the San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild and exhibit many different venues in the San Diego area. My woodblock carvings are also displayed in the Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in Del Mar and La Costa. Also, I am often exhibited at some of the juried exhibitions and have won several awards in art competitions.
“Quiet Night” received people’s choice at Vista Civic Gallery. Juried exhibition
“Village Life” received Honorable mention at Front Porch Gallery. Juried exhibition
“King’ s Garden” received first place in Del Mar Country Fair. Juried exhibition
“Golden Gate Bridge” received donated award San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild in Del Mar Country Fair. Juried exhibition
Contact Info:
- Address: 6849 Mimosa Dr. Carlsbad, CA92011
- Website: sue.paparisto.com
- Phone: 7607295480
- Email: sue@paparisto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suepaparisto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malsu.lee.1
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeMalsu
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