ARTIST STATEMENT
My fiber art is a tribute to the rich history of women’s domestic crafts, utilizing fiber materials and techniques passed down through generations in various cultures. Wool felt has been a staple in creating practical everyday items such as clothing and blankets for domestic use. The low-tech activities of wet (washing) and dry (needle) felting, which women have been doing to improve their household environments functionally and aesthetically, are at the heart of my artistic process. The felted leaf series is a testament to the unique blend of nature and art, created using various layers of colored wool fibers. The process of creating individual pieces of the series involves numerous revisions/modifications, each one adding a new layer of depth and width to the art piece. My felt piece is a harmonious blend of organic yet modern shapes & forms that mimic the leaves from nature, each one stylized with artistic interpretations. The lines, colors, & textures for the leaf pieces are less than representational, not specific to certain species or seasons, but always intriguing and inspiring. My conceptual approach to Mixed Media practice, as well as my artistic practice in general, is rooted in a deep understanding and respect for the materials I work with. I don’t just work with materials, I study them, listen to them, and respect their characteristics. Through my experience and training in creative practices, I have learned that shapes, colors, and techniques emerge from this understanding and respect for the unique qualities of the materials.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
EunKyung (E.K.) Jeong is a first‐generation immigrant, active artist, art educator, and arts administrator. She has had numerous exhibitions and received regional, national, and international recognitions and fellowships for her work. Her commitment to the community is evident in her organization and provision of community art programs for rural Western Oklahoma communities, made possible through her work with local and state Arts Council grants. Jeong’s works have been showcased at the prestigious International Fiber Art Biennale in China – From Lausanne to Beijing, and she won the Best of Show award at the art competition, Paper Work In, On, and of Paper IV, held by the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO. Her past solo show venues include the Foundry Art Centre and the Governor’s Gallery in the Oklahoma State Capitol. Jeong’s international reach was also demonstrated when she participated in the Outdoor Textile Art Installations portion of the La Triennale Internationale des Arts Textiles en Outaouais at the Moon Rain Centre for Textile Arts, Quebec, Canada.
© E.K. Jeong