Jiyoung Chung is a preeminent practitioner of joomchi, the ancient Korean art of papermaking. Using only their hands, joomchi artisans knead mulberry tree bark and water into a smooth, remarkably resilient paper – strong enough to have been used for military armor, durable enough to have lasted a thousand years.
Joomchi is ecologically sustainable too. Mulberry bushes need frequent pruning, so pruned branches can be used for papermaking, saving carbon-absorbing trees from logging.
Jiyoung finds the craft deeply fulfilling: “In joomchi as in life, agitation, trials and tribulation make us stronger, more refined and more solid.” That’s an inspiring message for a climate challenged world.
Jiyoung Chung, Whisper Romance – Contented (2013). One-of-a-kind joomchi with paper yarn. Dimensions: 35” x 23.5”. © 2013 Jiyoung Chung. Courtesy of the artist.
Artist’s Statement
The “Whisper-Romance” series grew out of a conversation I had with my father about a disturbing article in the newspaper. It was a story about a son killing his parents. My father said, “This has happened because the essential relationship has been broken.”
My thoughts on this concept became the foundation for this series: the many facets of broken relationships.
We have “horse whisperers” and “dog whisperers” but I believe we need “human whisperers” to heal what has been broken in our essential relationship to ourselves, to nature and to God. It is important to be reminded of how unique and valuable each of our lives are – regardless of where or how we were raised or what position we find ourselves in now. It is vital to enjoy living life to the fullest, to be open to the wonders of the earth and to preserve its integrity for future generations.
The holes, layers and free mounting of my work represent these conversations, the whispers and the breath between them.
Artist’s Website: jiyoungchung.com
