Meet Man Hi Park | Painter & UX Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Man Hi Park and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Man Hi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had denied my creativity for 20 years. I am currently successful UX designer (having worked for Saatchi advertising and having clients such as Toyota). Being busy with life as always, over the years, I gave little to no attention to my creative side. I fostered my logical analytical side for my career. As years went by, I lost touch with my creative side – almost completely forgotten.

Last year during the height of Covid, I decided to finally try painting. I sat down and painted and what emerged was work that didn’t seem like it was of a beginner. I was shocked. I found my voice. I found my talent. It energized me like no other outlet.

I wondered why I didn’t know my talent all these years. Others wondered the same. I realized that I had this critical voice inside that discouraged me from picking up that paintbrush. I told myself that I would fail before I even started. I realized it was this voice I had to overcome.

I struggled with my creative process at first. Realizing that I had to practice being “seen”as an artist, I used instagram to show my creative process – mistakes and all. I realized that as an artist, the sharing of ones work required a bit of the building of self worth. I also wanted to show others that the process is rocky and filled with mistakes. An artist’s journey is facing fear and conquering it. The finished piece is just the tip of the iceberg.

There, my business idea was born. I wanted to inspire others to pick up that brush. I wanted to show others how to practice conquering that fear. I wanted others to become energized. I started recording my process of painting and started a youtube channel and instagram. I wanted to show others the creative “journey”.

Art is not only a journey of self, but the conquering of fear. “Mothership” alludes to my process of becoming aware of that negative voice inside and countering it with a compassionate motherly voice that says “you can do it.” Face that blank canvas head on. Be curious. Don’t give up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art journey is my journey of healing. I had denied my creativity for 20 years, telling myself I wasn’t worth it. Once I found my self worth, my creativity flowed. My art focuses on my various insights of healing. I want my art to be a beacon of hope for others as I found art along my journey that inspired me.

To connect with others, I find that I must be the most raw I can be. I want to tell the story of how I found my self worth. As an artist, one has to have some self worth to be seen. Art is to be shared. But to share, is to have self worth enough to want to be seen.

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.
Grab a coffee in Culver City Good Boy Coffee at the Citizen Public Market. Then head down to south bay to the UFC Gym in Torrance for a boxing lesson. Grab a bite at Piccalilli in Culver City. Make sure to get the Katsu! Dessert at Jeni’s Ice Cream in Venice. Camp at the beach in Malibu at the Sycamore Valley Campground and listen to the waves as you fall asleep.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this to my mother, who gave me everything and more, whom passed away earlier this year. I miss you terribly.

Stephen Feldman, my mentor in all things -spiritual and creative. Your guidance is like a light at the end of a tunnel. Forever grateful.

Instagram: instagram.com/mothership_art

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKfb39UtgzXZt-w2BFYnXg

Other: personal ig = https://www.instagram.com/m_o_t_h_e_r_s_h_i_p_/