BIO

Janie Jaehyun Park is a Canadian visual artist who was born in South Korea.  She obtained her BA in French Literature from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea and a diploma in Illustration from Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada.  Since she taught herself art from a very early age, she has studied a wide range of media and many different drawing and painting techniques through her entire life. Her life has taken her on a series of detours, including being an active member of her university’s artists’ club; a young business woman; a mature art college student; an illustrator and art instructor; and a wife and mother.  Now she is pursuing her childhood dream of being a fine artist and has been exhibiting artwork locally in Ottawa, Canada.

As an illustrator, Janie has published several award-winning children’s and educational picture books in Canada, the United States, Korea and Japan. Her commercial work has appeared on book covers, holiday cards, and CD covers, as well as in a variety of newspapers and magazines.  Her first picture book, The Tiger and The Dried Persimmon, the retelling of a Korean folktale, was nominated as a finalist for the Canadian Governor General’s Literary Awards and won the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award in Canada.

As a fine artist, Janie has shown her artworks in various group shows in Seoul in South Korea, Toronto & Ottawa in Ontario, and Georgeville in Quebec.  Her paintings can be found in private collections throughout Korea and Canada.

Artist Statement

I would describe my artwork as “stylized representationalism,” a reflection of my state of mind as a visual poem.  As I navigate through life, certain moments capture my attention, compelling me to pause and immerse myself in their story.  My creative process begins with introspection, as I reflect on the emotions evoked in these moments of transfixion.

At times, my work is characterized by rich and vibrant colors, while in other instances, it features a strong focal point with a more restrained palette.  Regardless of the approach, I strive to create striking compositions that engage the viewer.

I find immense joy in translating my thoughts and emotions into visual form.  For me, the act of creating art is a meditative experience-one that brings both reflection and fulfillment.