“I think my style is somewhat similar to his because he was my first influence.”
A Global Perspective Shaping Artistic Vision
Sehyun Jeon, a 23-year-old artist from South Korea, currently residing in London, embodies a unique blend of cultural influences in her work. From a young age, her parents encouraged her to explore the world, which led her to experience a multitude of cultures and environments. Attending an international school for six years, she became adept at navigating diverse social landscapes, making her comfortable with differences and eager to portray them in her art. This exposure has profoundly shaped her artistic creations, which often feature people from various backgrounds, showcasing the beauty and diversity of humanity.
Jeon’s journey into the art world was marked by a significant shift. Initially pursuing a degree in Fine Art, she later transitioned to Arts Management. Despite this change, her passion for creating never waned. A spontaneous doodling session revealed her unique drawing style, characterized by expressive faces and dynamic lines. This discovery reignited her commitment to art, leading her to produce a drawing daily for six months. Her illustration “Ready?” being shortlisted in the World Illustration Awards 2023 was a pivotal moment, providing the motivation to take her art seriously and pursue it as a career. Participating in her first art fair in London and making her first sale solidified her identity as an artist, prompting her to establish an online presence and actively promote her work.
Sehyun Jeon: Bold Lines and Vivid Characters
Sehyun Jeon’s artistic style is distinguished by its boldness and vibrancy. She employs brush pens to create thick black outlines, which she then enhances with vivid colors. This technique is used both in her digital illustrations and traditional paintings, where she projects the images onto canvas for a striking effect. Her work is not only visually impactful but also infused with humor, often reflected in the whimsical characters she creates. Her fascination with people-watching fuels her creativity, allowing her to capture the essence of everyday life in her unique style.
Her workspace, though modest, is an essential aspect of her creative process. Without a dedicated studio, Jeon adapts by working in various spots around her home, from her desk to her bed. Essential elements in her workspace include music and scent, which provide a stimulating yet calming environment conducive to creativity. She embraces distractions as a natural part of her workflow, viewing them as necessary breaks that prevent burnout and encourage spontaneous inspiration. This approach underscores her belief that creativity should never be forced, allowing for the best ideas to emerge organically.
Inspirations and Influences
Sehyun Jeon’s artistic influences are deeply rooted in her admiration for French illustrators, particularly Jean Jullien. His drawing style captivated her during her teenage years, prompting her to emulate his techniques. This influence is evident in her own work, which shares a similar simplicity and expressiveness. Bernard Buffet, another favorite, inspires her with his distinctive portraits and use of black lines and color. These artists, combined with her own rich imagination and keen observational skills, form the foundation of her artistic vision.
Her daily life serves as a constant source of inspiration. She draws from her interactions and experiences, translating them into her art with a fresh perspective. One piece that holds particular significance for Jeon is “The Woman.” This painting represents a milestone in her career, marking her decision to pursue art independently and seriously. Created without any external guidance, it symbolizes freedom and autonomy. The fact that it was sold at her first art fair further reinforces its importance, highlighting her success and the validation of her unique style.
Sehyun Jeon: Aspirations and Mediums
Sehyun Jeon primarily works with acrylics, a medium that complements her straightforward painting style and offers the practicality of quick drying times. She has experimented with other mediums like watercolors, oil paints, colored pencils, and markers but finds acrylics best suited to her needs. Her aspirations extend beyond her current practices; she dreams of creating large mural paintings to reach a broader audience and explore different mediums such as embroidery, mosaics, and animation. These projects represent long-term goals that she plans to pursue with the assistance of other skilled artists.
Publishing books is another ambition of hers, driven by the desire to compile her works and share her artistic journey in a tangible form. Each new endeavor reflects her continuous evolution as an artist, showcasing her willingness to explore and innovate. Jeon’s journey is a testament to her adaptability, creativity, and dedication, illustrating the profound impact of her diverse experiences on her art. Through her vivid and bold creations, Sehyun Jeon invites viewers into a world rich with character, humor, and cultural depth.
