Not many people would be able to answer immediately if asked, “Where should I look if I want to collect an artist’s work?” For most people, collecting art may be a somewhat unfamiliar concept. We spoke with Art & Communication, a company that launched a crowdfunding campaign to introduce better art to a wider audience, to hear their story.
The Story of Art & Communication
Hello. We are Lee Yeon-soo, CEO, and Moon In-seon, Director, of Art & Communication (
), the cultural planning and artist branding consultants who organized the Wadiz crowdfunding campaign for artist Jeon Yi-su. Art & Communication is a communications firm that provides public relations, marketing, cultural planning, and artist branding consulting services.
I get the impression that people usually purchase your work at exhibitions. What made you decide to launch a Wadiz crowdfunding campaign for your art?
“How can artists and cultural organizations sustain their creative activities, and how can the public enjoy a rich cultural life in their daily lives?” We are actively seeking answers to these questions.
Through crowdfunding,we aim to raise awareness of artists and arts organizations across various genres, andto play a role in building a robust cultural and artistic ecosystem by helping the public evolve from mere appreciators of culture and the arts into collectors.
I think this crowdfunding campaign with Artist Jeon Yi-su is also a way of showing support for her growth.
I want to foster a culture of supporting writers—in other words, investing in their potential.
Artist Jeon Yi-su is preparing to shed the labels of “child artist” and “art prodigy” and make the leap to becoming a fully-fledged artist. Since this is a time when communication is particularly important, I decided to launch this crowdfunding campaign because I believe it can help bridge the gap between me and the public.
I am truly grateful that so many people are cheering me on, encouraging me to reflect on how I will shape my life as an artist and what I can accomplish in this role.
* As of April 14, 1,635% of the goal has been reached, with 81 million won raised
Wadizis Wadizdelighted to be supporting artist Jeon Yi-su through this crowdfunding campaign. What were your thoughts when you first saw Jeon Yi-su’s artwork?
우연히 서점에서 이수 군의 에세이 <마음이 처음 만들어졌을 때부터>와 그림에세이 <나의 가족, 사랑하나요?>를 보고 서가에 서서 단숨에 읽어내려 갔습니다. 웃다 울다 하며 말이죠. 어린이라고 하기엔 깊고 단단한 생각을 갖고 있는 이수군과 아름다운 그림에 한눈에 반해버렸죠. 저명한 인사의 가르침도, 잘 훈련된 기성 작가의 수려한 문장은 아니지만, 동심 가득하면서도 따뜻한 이수군의 글과 그림에 큰 위로를 받았습니다. “어린 꼬마가 어른을 울리네”라며 혼자 웃었더랬습니다.
And that’s when I felt a strong conviction: “The inspiration and comfort I’ve experienced are exactly what the world needs right now. I want to share artist Jeon Yi-su’s messages of love and comfort!” That’s how the special story of artist Jeon Yi-su and Art & Communication began.
The Story of Artist Jeon Yi-su
Hello.
My name is Jeon Yi-su, and I write fairy tales, draw illustrations, and compose prose while surrounded by the natural beauty of Jeju Island.
I imagine that, following the "Genius Discovery" crowdfunding campaign, many people have become interested in Jeon Yi-su’s art. How have you been since the broadcast?
Thank you for your interest in my artwork.
Just like any other day, I spend my days doing the things I enjoy.
Lately, I’ve been having fun playing the guitar, so I’ve been trying to write songs while playing along to my own lyrics.
I’m currently working on my next book, expressing my thoughts and feelings through my artwork.
When I look at Lee Soo-gun’s work, I sense the sparkle of everyday life and a warm sense of emotion. I’m curious to know what inspires Lee Soo-gun.
I believe that every single “day” I’m given is truly important.
There are so many things I want to do, but I can’t believe how quickly time flies.
The events that happen day by day, the thoughts that come to mind when I reflect on them,
and the feelings that arise from who knows where—all of these become topics for conversation and inspiration for my art.
I think expressing what you think and feel is what we call art.
I think some people express it through song, while others express it through dance, painting, or writing.
이수 작가님의 작업 영역이 점점 넓어지고 있다는 느낌이 드네요. 이번 펀딩으로 최초 공개하신 <소중한 사람>과 <위로3>은 어떤 마음으로 그린 그림일까요?
<소중한 사람>은 서로 아끼고 소중하게 생각하는 사람을 그린 거예요. 내 옆에 없다고 상상만 해도 가슴이 철렁하고 아파오는 것 같은 그런 사랑이 마음을 따뜻하게 해주고, 그 따뜻함이 세상을 아름답게 볼 수 있는 눈을 만들어주는 것 같아요. 그런 따뜻한 사랑을 보았고 그걸 그림으로 표현하고 싶었어요.
<위로3>I drew this to offer comfort to those who are exhausted and weighed down by the hardships of the world. I found myself thinking that when I go through such difficult times, what’s actually harder than the hardship itself is the feeling of being “all alone.” I felt that even if someone just understood how I felt and looked at me, or even if they just quietly offered a shoulder to lean on, it would be comforting and reassuring.
Given how difficult things are these days, I imagine many people can relate to Lee Soo’s artwork. Is there anything Lee Soo would like to say to those who are going through this tough time alongside him?
It feels like our daily lives have changed drastically due to this highly contagious disease. It’s certainly inconvenient that we can’t go to school or travel right now, and that we have to avoid places where large crowds gather. However, I think the people who are having the hardest time are those who are actually sick. I hope we can send our warmest thoughts to those who are struggling to fight this illness and to those who are helping them.
And even if it’s a little uncomfortable or difficult, I hope you can lend a shoulder to lean on to those who are going through a harder time than I am.
Now that the Wadiz campaign is over, I’m curious about Artist Lee Soo’s next project. If you’re working on anything, could you tell us a little bit about it?
I’m currently compiling the drawings and writings I’ve created since *Do You Love My Family?* into a new book. It should be available in May.
Also, I hear this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. However, I’ve been told that there are still many people among those who fought selflessly to protect us all back then who have yet to be identified. We are currently preparing a campaign to locate these individuals and present them with medals.
Art & Communication’s comment
We would like to thank all the supporters who contributed to this campaign for artist Jeon Yi-su, as well as everyone who showed interest.
The funds raised through this campaign will be used to support Jeon Yi-su’s artistic activities and education, helping her grow into an even more accomplished artist. These days, Jeon Yi-su is fully occupied with work on her new illustrated essay, set to be released in May.
We plan to keep the supporters—or collectors—who have participated in this campaign updated on the various experiments, creative processes, and final works produced in collaboration with artist Jeon Yi-su. We cordially invite you to join artist Jeon Yi-su on his journey of growth as he moves beyond his childhood and takes a step toward becoming a “Young Master.”
Go to Jeon Yi-su's crowdfunding page
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