Meet Justin N. Kim | Artist / Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin N. Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin N., why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was a little child I enjoyed creating imagery. I paint nowadays and the joy of creating is still present in the studio. Albeit, it is difficult to achieve that flow state and feel that joy, this is something I was made to do, to create.

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.
I would say my work is different and my own from start to finish. My process is longer due to utilizing oil paint and tape for every step of the way. Still, I wouldn’t change a thing about my process and the work I am making because it suits my personality well and there is an element that humbles me. By painting one line or one block at a time, it reminds me what is important and that everything in life happens one at a time, just like the paintings I am painting. As for challenges, there isn’t just one but many at once. Some of those challenges, I feel like I am used to it and have a good idea how to go about them, but some challenges take longer to adapt and adjust to. I also feel like the challenges change or get more difficult as I grow. Like as I level up, so do the challenges, it’s a constant ongoing effort to keep playing the game.
As for my brand, or my work, I would like the world to know that I am a guy who really loves to paint.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start off with a helicopter tour of the city. There’s no better way to see it all than from a bird’s eye view. Then I would take them to my favorite chicken spot in Koreatown for some delicious fried chicken. Maybe we will hit up some local galleries around the Arts District or Culver City. Lastly, we would end the day at my studio which is where I spend most of my time these days with some beer or wine and just talk!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shoutout would be to my beautiful wife, who is nothing but ever encouraging and loving to me, night or day, when I am low or high. She’s always there for me and I can’t imagine my life without her. I would also love to give a shout out to my parents who sacrificed their lives in Korea for me and my sister so we would have a better life and achieve our American dream by taking a huge risk and immigrating to America. All the hardships they endured and the love they provide for me still to this day is a big boost in my life.

Website: www.jnkim.org

Instagram: @j.nkim

Other: 1st Dibs https://www.1stdibs.com/dealers/justin-n-kim/shop/ Artsy https://www.artsy.net/artist/justin-n-kim