Meet Elizabeth Joo | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Joo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Since I was young, I often heard that I should focus on practical matters rather than emotions. What I disagree with is not just advice but a societal phenomenon. Our society, with its focus on rapid change and progress, has neglected the importance of emotions. The constant shifts and fast-paced nature of our world have led us to see emotions as inefficient and unnecessary. Korea, where I grew up, also underwent rapid economic and cultural growth, particularly during my formative years, which were marked by extreme cultural and technological advancements. This exposure made me acutely aware of how emotional numbness takes hold.

I believe that experiencing emotions is a profound affirmation of our existence. Therefore, the process of becoming emotionally numb feels like losing a vital part of life itself. I see resisting this numbness as stepping away from efficiency and embracing stillness. I turn to meditative acts that involve the hands, such as the slow and contemplative process of embroidery, to focus on my emotions. This practice allows me to reflect on my memories and senses, making me feel truly alive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As I mentioned before, I believe we are becoming numb to our emotions. I, too, was not someone closely associated with the word “emotional.” In my pursuit of rationality and efficient work, I came to see emotions as unnecessary in my life. When I returned to the U.S. in 2021, cracks began to form in my life. Leaving behind the stability of Korea, I faced cultural barriers, loneliness, and, above all, an unpredictable future that deeply challenged me. Everything around me felt depressing and unsettling, but it was a change I chose, so I had to handle it on my own.

To cope, I began documenting my emotions. I recorded how I felt, when I felt it, and noted the colors and visual shapes of those emotions. By transforming these records into data, I tried to understand the shifts in my emotional state. This practice became the start of my ongoing project, “Emotion Documentation.” Through this process, I was able to navigate my way out of depression and later manage the anxiety that resurfaced after my master’s program.

What began as a personal reflection evolved into a deeper interest in and understanding of human emotions. I hope that, just as this project has helped me grow, it can also serve as a tool to help individuals reconnect with their emotions in a world that often feels numb.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’ll probably spend most of our time exploring galleries. If they do visit, I hope it’s in the spring or summer. I’d love to spend a day relaxing at ‘Oak Street Beach’, enjoying a beer with music. I’ll definitely take them to ‘Forno Rosso Pizzeria’. Their pistachio pizza is absolutely amazing. It’s a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves pizza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to say it’s my parents. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to keep pursuing my dream of becoming an artist. No matter what choices I made, they always encouraged and supported me.

I am also deeply grateful to the mentors and friends I met at SAIC. The knowledge and advice they shared have played a crucial role in my growth.

Thank you all! ❤️

Website: https://elizabethjoo.art

Instagram: @e.ay3on