At Eclectic Gallery, we are honored to represent the talented artist Seong Gu Lee, whose captivating works have garnered acclaim and intrigue in the world of contemporary art. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the artist's roots, creative process, and his unique perspective on art. Join us as we explore the mind and soul behind Seong Gu Lee's remarkable creations.
Before we dive into your current body of work, we'd love to know about the path that brought you here. Could you give us a glimpse into your artistic roots and the influences that have guided you along the way?
My parents worked as calligraphers in Korea. And my eldest father was a monk, and I lived in his temple until I was six years old.
I have been exposed to such environment since I was young and naturally had an interest in contemplation and reflection.
Nature often serves as a muse for artists. How does the natural world influence your creative process and the subjects you choose to depict?
I believe that nature provides the standards for all forms of beauty that humans can perceive, such as the beauty of its unaltered state and the beauty of harmony. It also serves as the ultimate source of inspiration, awakening humility and sublime, enabling us to endlessly contemplate.
Could you walk us through your typical artistic process, from the initial idea to the finished artwork?
I primarily focus on things that are not stimulating or innovative but rather countless familiar ones that have not yet revealed their potential. Even after several years, I quietly observe, remember them, and within the framework of my new inspiration, I contemplate their unique combinations and arrangements.
Afterward, I research and experiment to find a way to incorporate them into my creative expression, eventually beginning the process of creating actual works. During this process, I work not with the certainty of creating a piece quickly but with the possibility of endless revisions.
To me, a completed work is something that becomes whole not when I can no longer make changes but when it reaches completion through the eyes of the owner who acquires it by my reluctantly letting it go.
Experimentation often leads to new discoveries. Can you share an instance when trying a new technique unexpectedly transformed your art?
During my sophomore year of college, I made an effort to disassemble a motorcycle and create something new. While the results of that endeavor may have been far from perfect, the process allowed me to generate truly fresh ideas. I always pay attention to the countless possibilities that can emerge through serendipity, and I take pleasure in continuously discovering hints of new changes even within the trial and error process of my own work.
Certain artworks become emblematic of an artist's style or vision. Can you highlight a piece that became a cornerstone of your portfolio and explain its lasting impact?
In my senior year of college in 2006, I created a sculpture called "The Dream of the Grey Man," which has become the cornerstone of my current portfolio. It marked the beginning of a series of figurative sculptures created solely through welding, giving me the courage to believe in my ability to create my own artwork.
This artwork is currently part of the collection at Ansan Danwon Sculpture Park in South Korea. Whenever I need courage, I sometimes visit the sculpture to reminisce about the initial inspiration behind it and even engage in the process of cleaning it, shedding away the years.
Maintaining consistent inspiration is a challenge. How do you rekindle your creativity during periods of artistic block or when motivation wanes?
I make a conscious effort to rest as deeply as possible. I believe that work and relaxation must interact to create the best results. During my downtime, I spend time with my family or engage in mental refreshment to transition into a new mindset. I recharge primarily through static activities such as reading, consuming content, meditation, and prayer, as well as reflecting on life.
Interpreting art can be subjective. How do you encourage your audience to engage with your work and find their own meaning in it?
What I ultimately aim for through my work is not just for the audience to understand the intention of the artist but to encourage them to infer and contemplate on their own. Every viewer encountering the artwork brings their own life experiences, which results in a multitude of potential interpretations. Respecting these diverse perspectives is the starting point, and I strive to provide the audience with minimal information about the artwork. Additionally, I believe that waiting for their eyes and intellect to open up new horizons for the artwork is also a crucial part of the creative process.
How has your association with Eclectic Gallery influenced your career and artistic journey? What do you find unique about being represented by our gallery?
I have learned a great deal over the past five years while collaborating with Eclectic Gallery. Not only have I reflected on my attitude towards gallery representatives, but I have also learned how to interact with them and show respect. What's certain is that while the artist's creation of the artwork is undoubtedly important, the process of finding new owners for those works is equally crucial for the true completion of the artwork. I am grateful for the connection I've had with Eclectic Gallery, which has allowed for mutual influence and growth in various ways.
Collaboration can offer fresh perspectives. Are there artists or creative professionals you're interested in collaborating with in the future? How do you envision this collaboration enhancing your art?
I always keep the door open to new possibilities because I never know where or with whom collaboration might bring exciting changes. Lately, I've been thinking that collaborating with fields like architecture and media art could be a source of enjoyment. If the opportunity arises in the near future to work on a large and exciting project, I will eagerly prepare for collaboration with them.
Lastly, how do you envision your art leaving a legacy that resonates beyond your lifetime?
I always consider my artworks to be more important than myself. While my own existence may be insignificant, my artworks have the potential to create broader and infinite existential horizons when they meet with viewers or someone new. I fervently hope that my artworks will endure as relics even centuries into the future.
We invite you to explore Seong Gu Lee's captivating artworks at Eclectic Gallery. Witness the embodiment of his journey and the profound beauty that arises from contemplation and reflection. Visit us or meet us in person at 16 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PB, UK, to experience the world of Seong Gu Lee's artistry. For inquiries and further information, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@eclecticgallery.co.uk.
Seong Gu Lee's work is an invitation to contemplate the beauty that surrounds us, to find inspiration in the ordinary, and to embrace the limitless possibilities of creativity. Discover his world today, and let his art ignite your imagination.
October 9, 2023
