Tenth edition of the "Who's Next?" Initiative features:
곽시온
On behalf of Precious Magazine Hong Kong, Geneyclee Gallery's Founder and Director interviewed 곽시온, a Korean Tattoo Artist. Be sure to catch her full interview in this months issue of Precious Magazine.
In this interview 곽시온 talks about how she got started, her inspirations and advice for the younger generation of artists.
Q. Tell us a little about your journey, how did you get into tattooing? Is it something that runs in the family?
A. I received strong inspiration of the tattoo culture under the influence of my tattooist mother. Since childhood, I was very fond of seeing my mother absorbed in something specific. Also, the moment I realized how powerful the messages on the skin could be exhibited to individuals, I was so fascinated by it and decided that this was going to be my lifework. This is because the act of leaving a mark on one’s body, even at the cost of having to endure the pain, is a noble spirit that can represent memory, friendship, love or oneself, which are desired to be kept forever in one’s mind. The mark can also act as a sign that encroaches and ultimately takes away the fear and therefore is itself a strong message given to oneself.
Q. Where or who do you draw inspiration from?
A. There are so many things that inspire me. But I am especially very affectionate towards Korean traditional beauty. Out of this, the emotional significance of daenggi( a ribbon), norigae, an ornamental silver knife, knots, peony and plum blossom is what I’m really fond of. So I get inspired from looking at the traditional elements with new feelings. Moreover, one of my biggest muses is nature. The awe and inspiration that nature transcends help me both personally and professionally. From nature itself, one can receive authentic insight on how to make traditional styles more unique.
Q. What are some of your hobbies, things you do when you’re not working?
A. I really enjoy reading a novel. Besides reading, I try to engage in many different activities. For instance, doing crafts or collaborating with other artists working in different fields. Out of these, working with my shooting crew is my favorite, where we share ideas and plan photo-shoots. Also, I really love buying props for work and interior design.
Q. What do you think the secret is to your success?
A. I’m not sure if I can call it a “secret”, but I believe failure cannot take place if one strives to meet the goal with persistence and patience. I can’t say that I’m a person who is always calm or rational, but I try my best to maintain these factors.
Q. What Advice would you give an aspiring tattoo artist?
A. This is only my thought, but there’s a need for one to be more generous and tolerant in every aspect. Because I believe tattoo is an art that reaches its fullest form through communication, I keep open-mindedness towards others’ opinions. Yet, at the same time, it’s also important to keep striving to create designs of one’s own belief and conviction. So it’s crucial for one to never give up with persistence.
Q. What is your advice for those wanting to get their first tattoo but unsure what to get?
A. It is necessary to first find the suitable artist and deeply think about what one wants. After this, they can let the artist know about their own thoughts or stories. I believe the problem could be solved then!
It was Geneyclee Gallery's pleasure interviewing 곽시온
Do make sure you follow her journey by following her on social media
Instagram: @TATTOOISTSION
Next Who's Next? article - 13th December 2018.
Commentaires