The days are whizzing by here — perfectly metaphored by my dear friend and fellow artist, Vickie Robertson, with her “Cars” video comment in response to yesterday’s post! And, as proof once again that I need no help in filling my days, Independent Day in Seoul, South Korea was all about creating memories!
My day started with a quick trip to the Korean paper store to purchase the last of the necessary supplies to begin my coiling. The adjectives that come to mind are insufficient to describe my elation over all the fun moments do the special treasures found in tiny little places! I was so excited to find the cording necessary — and a couple of wonderful souvenirs for some special people back home. See that printed paper on the table? That was my personal Bojagi for this trip when the owner wrapped my treasures for their return to the USA. And just look at all those mulberry and rice paper sheets hanging in the background! Heaven!!
Then it was a race back to the hotel to meet my friends, Piper and Susie, for a very special trip to a gallery near the Leeum Museum. My friends will be traveling on to Japan immediately after our stay in Korea, where they will meet up with a very famous Japanese artist, Reiko Sodu. Reiko is world renowned for her process of folding and snipping of cloth, among other things. During our private, pre-daily show opening, we were invited to “sample her wares”.
Is there any questions as to why this became one of my two personal souvenirs of my very special time in Korea?
This particular private museum was actually one for the collection of music boxes and antique china. Isn’t this music box incredible?
As other invited guests gathered in the museum, we were invited upstairs to enjoy a special treat in the tea room. What an honor!!
I love the Korean tradition of sharing business cards and brochures! And equally as much, I love the precious, two handed gesture of handing one’s card to another with a slight bow. Such respect for each other is expressed with such a modest movement!
Such a wonderful display of art permeating our lives! Kudos, Reiko Sudo! Kudos!
A cab ride took us back to Insa Ding, the borough of Seoul where our hotel is located. Check out Command Central with all the devices for navigation, translation, credit cards,and entertainment! Lol
A few meters from our back door was a pizza place. We couldn’t resist! Here are our cracker-like crust potato and pepperoni pizzas…
…enjoyed it this funky, eclectic, pizza joint that just beckoned these artistic souls! Lol
Afte lunch, we met with others of our group to travel by bus to the Hangaram Museum once again. I just love the bus rides and all the interesting architecture and scenery along the way!
As I was odling and ooing as I have so often on this trip, I happened to look over and see seated next to us on the bus two young Korean women who had just attended our show!!
Using the now infamous Pointer System of Communication, we each identified our work in their brochure. I love their hand-over-mouth gesture of happy surprise! And speaking of happy, see Happy (my felted circle piece) just north of her thumb? :):)
It is still a fat pinching moment for me to walk into a gallery and see people examining MY work!
As promised, here are a few more samplings of the work on display at this show.
I found this next work especially interesting. It tells the story of the Korean boat that sank with all the school children several years ago. My Korea friends explained how the candles respresent the protest against the loss of life.
Several years ago while living I Chambersburg,my friend, Bea Sanford, introduced me to two lovely young exchange students at Wilson College. Suhhee and Bomin both live in Seoul. With Bea’s help, I was able to contact them and they came to see our show!! Talk about a special connection!
They loved my piece, Phoenix, and the story that it tells of my personal rise above the ashes of loss into a brand new life in art.
Suhhee and Bomin are Dot’s age, so we not only shared the stories of Dot’s work, but also the evening together.
Our first Korean BBQ!
And, following the Korea tradition, a stop by the most famous modern tea house, Osulluc, for dessert and tea!
Roasting, tea right in the cafe!
These three sweethearts are just so special! They really added so much joy to my visit to Korea!
Time now to say goodbye to yet another wonderful day in Seoul!
Carla