Room to Breathe
Commission Work︱2020︱2024
These illustrations were submitted to the School of English Anthology at Birmingham City University, following the theme ‘Room to Breathe’.
Inspired by my own living space and the emotions it creates, these illustrations were designed to reflect that, as an introvert, my home is my sanctuary. I added blooming plants to the illustrations to represent my ideas, inspirations, and personal development. My home is the space where I feel completely comfortable. It’s also somewhere I can be brutally honest and vulnerable with myself. During the global covid-19 pandemic, I spent a lot of time at home by myself, since I was living alone in a new country. The situation may have caused loneliness and stress for others, but it was a time that brought me a lot of peace and introspection. Now that I have gone from living alone to living with family, I value the time I spent at home alone even more. I believe that having a space you can call your own is essential for self-reflection and personal growth.
Upon returning to South Korea, I developed the illustration into a sequence reflecting a timeline of growth. More plants appear in each sequence, representing my growth as a person and an artist during challenging times. I wanted to depict that no matter what the circumstances are, I can adjust and face what comes my way. I submitted this new version to a gallery in Seoul, and it became the first piece of artwork I sold after coming back to South Korea from the UK.
