The Monday Times visited the art studio of the renowned literati painter couple, Indang, Jo Jae-young, and Sanha, Park Hae-soon back in January. Indang has nurtured many disciples as a painter, serving as a director of the Korea Calligraphy Association and the Korea Literati Painting Association. She has taken a leading role in promoting the development of traditional Korean literati painting in the relatively barren artistic landscape of Cheongju. Sanha Park Hae-soon, the husband and student of Indang, has also been active as an invited artist at the Gangam Calligraphy Grand Exhibition, assisting in the operation of Indang's Art Studio.
Q. What motivated you to learn literati painting, Ma’am Indang?
It seems that the motivation originated during my early twenties when I purchased calligraphy tools and practiced writing at home. I began to practice it in earnest when my children entered middle school, utilizing the time I could spend waiting for them to return from school. As I delved deeper into the art, I found it increasingly enjoyable. I passionately dedicated myself to practicing literati painting, visiting teachers even at night to learn the craft.
Q. From whom have you learned it, Ma’am Indang?
I learned calligraphy from Sir Kim Young-so. Without the teacher's knowledge, I also independently studied literati painting. In addition, I delved into everything related to meog or a black-ink stick.
Q. What are the differences between literati painting and calligraphy?
Literati painting is originally based on the Four Gracious Plants (plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo). Now, various materials such as pine trees, lotus flowers, magnolias, peonies, and grapes have become subjects for literati painting. Literati painting on diverse materials emphasizes the beauty of empty space. Even without writing characters, simply applying your personal seal, it can be recognized as literati painting. Literati painting implicitly expresses one's thoughts or philosophy this way, even without realistically depicting them. While calligraphy focuses on characters, literati painting emphasizes pictorial images.
Q. How did you start practicing literati painting, Sir Sanha?
Frankly speaking, I have a lot of things I want to do. However, I am currently focusing more on literati painting. I have learned literati painting and landscape painting from Ma'am Indang, my wife, for four days a week, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I am trying to spend more time together as a couple.
Q. Could you briefly introduce your recent activities and achievements, Sir Sanha?
Recently, I have received the most outstanding and excellent awards at the Gangam Calligraphy Grand Exhibition, the Jeonbuk World Calligraphy Biennale, and the Seongju On-site Calligraphy Competition. I continue to improve my artistic techniques and hone my ability, considering I'm at a starting point now.
Q. What do you think about Ma'am Indang's works, Sir Sanha?
Ma'am Indang is a person who lives a life as a "shining artistic spirit," fully devoted to literati painting. This year marks the 20th year that she has run her art studio. In the midst of busy activities such as training students and participating in various activities, she continues to dedicate herself to creating unique artwork without taking some rest even on holidays.
Q. Then, Ma'am Indang, what work of Sir Sanha do you think particularly good?
There are many excellent pieces, but I think the ones where he draws trees are special. His works featuring pine trees and plum blossoms, and so on particularly stand out.
Q. What has been a rewarding experience while practicing literati painting, Sir Sanha?
These days, many people enjoy leisure with various hobbies, but for me, learning something is better than playing. I feel very pleased when I go home after engrossing myself in practicing something hard all day.
Q. What challenges have you faced while practicing literati painting, Sir Sanha?
To be honest, brushwork has always been quite challenging for me. Indang always advises me to practice with the “Jungbog” or “central balance” technique in holding a brush. Even though I have been practicing it for almost 20 years and hold a master instructor certificate in ink wash painting, I still feel like I haven't fully grasped its essence.
Q. You have taught many students, Ma'am Indang. What have you felt while training your students?
Well, I have taught various age groups of students from teens to nineties. To be honest, I feel like I learn more from those I teach, rather than I teach them.
Q. Could you please introduce a piece of artwork that you particularly cherish, Ma'am Indang?
There's a piece I painted after a two-day and one-night trip to the Seomjin River. Ideas for artworks would pop up in my mind when I return home after exploring the field. While sleeping at home after the trip, it felt as if I could hear the “sound of flowers bursting” on the banks of the Seomjin River.
Some artwork looks like the inside of my head or my mind. It shows my inner world, so to speak. Literati painting allows me to express something based on what I'm thinking. It's a way to depict my inner self.
There's another painting that depicts the scene of enjoying a drink with friends and not wanting to go home. I even learned a bit drinking alcohol to paint this. Sometimes, I've roasted literati painting onto pottery pieces, and sometimes I've also put it into a fan made of Korean paper. Since our Korean paper lasts for about 2,000 years, I tried capturing literati painting on the Korean paper fan.
Q. Are there any challenges you've faced while practicing literati painting, Ma'am Indang?
The only difficulty is that my stamina can't keep up. Otherwise, there's nothing particularly hard. All I need to do is make an effort and stay focused.
Q. What words of advice would you like to share with your students and disciples?
I would really appreciate it if some dedicated individual could continue this Indang Art Studio, when the day comes when I can no longer run this art studio. That's why I immediately pass it on to them whenever I discover a new method or technique. I'd like them to invest as much time as they can and continue to practice hard.
인터넷신문 영문판
http://english.mondaytimes.net/677
인터넷신문 한글판
https://korea.mondaytimes.net/153
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