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Korea-Canada Project
Artist Statement - Pusan '98
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To create an artwork with both Korean and Canadian values: a synthesis of the depth of the Orient with the breadth of the Occident. Complex conceptual planning and composition, yet a simple and natural image. A seascape with cargo ships - a scene of elemental nature and human commerce shared by both Korea and Canada, expressing a remarkable similarity between Pusan and Vancouver.

The Um-Yang, an Eastern separation between Heaven and Earth, is elliptical, stretched horizontally between East and West. The sigmoid line combines the rocky shoreline with the ocean waves. The horizon - a strict Western separation between Water and Air - dividing the world from the void.

Two intertwined Fibonacci curves, echoing the Um-Yang: the rational Occidental echoing the spiritual Oriental. One Fibonacci curve arching upward, becomes the chaotic waves crashing against the stones. Another curve arching downward, becomes the fractal micro-cosmos of sea life.

O-Heng, the Five Elements: Fire, Metal, Wood, Water and Earth. Fire as sunlight on the water surface; Metal as cargo ships on the sea; Wood as a pine tree; Water as the ocean and waves; Earth as shoreline stones. Fire and Metal expressed as intertwined pentagons with the sun at the apex; Wood expressed as an ascending arc, with no beginning nor end. Water expressed between the sigmoid line and the horizon line - caught between the respective Eastern and Western separations of Heaven and Earth.

Creative education: Artist teaching students, the art students teaching the artist student. The students teaching their peers. Circular and horizontal rather than square and vertical communication. Bridging the cultural divide: English to Hangul - Hangul to English. Designs and Oriental characters - pictograms - as our common language. Generating problems to inspire creative solutions.

Rather than Korea being only a developing Eastern country - the land of Um-Yang and the Five Elements - Korea is also known as an exporter of inexpensive cars and electronic components. And rather than Canada being only an advanced Western country - the land of multi-culturalism and enlightened social planning - Canada is also known as a nation of drawers of water and hewers of wood. Using Water as our common link - Wood (lumber) and Earth (minerals) are exchanged for Fire (electronics) and Metal (cars).

To assist with each others weaknesses and to exhibit each others strengths; to share the burden as well as the glory of coexisting on the one world we share.

Seoul, 1/98