Like the textile arts of many cultures, Korean embroidery is deeply intertwined with Korea’s historical and cultural heritage. However, one does not need an extensive background in Korean history or tradition to appreciate its beauty from the start. While Korean embroidery has distinctive features, it also shares commonalities with Western embroidery styles, making it accessible and relatable to a wider audience.
In this talk, Heehwa will introduce traditional Korean embroidery, showcasing a variety of visual examples from Korea and comparing them to embroideries from other parts of the world. Through thought-provoking questions about both Korean and general embroidery, she will invite attendees to reflect on how we approach and appreciate this intricate art form.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
- 4:30 Newfoundland Time
- 4 pm Atlantic Time
- 3 pm Eastern Time
- 2 pm Central Time
- 1 pm Mountain Time
- noon Pacific Time
All talks in the Speaker Series are free for members. Members, sign in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for Heehwa Jo’s presentation at member prices.
Not a member of EAC/ACB yet? Join us now, or purchase a virtual seat to attend this Speaker Series event.
About Heehwa Jo
Heehwa Jo is a Korean embroidery artist, tutor, and author based in London, UK. Jo has always been fascinated by Korean traditions and textile arts, which ultimately led her to the world of embroidery, particularly traditional Korean methods. Since 2017, she has been a professional embroiderer, teaching people in her studio and participating in various exhibitions and workshops.
Her interest in embroidery and art was shaped by many experiences: double majoring in Korean Language and Literature along with Textiles and Fashion Design at university, working in the fashion industry, and completing a three-year course in traditional Korean embroidery. Despite these influences, she firmly believes that ancient artifacts and the stories behind them inspire and motivate her the most. She keeps looking into the embroidery artifacts and learning something new every time, which she’s keen to share with those interested in Korean embroidery.
Jo’s embroidery is a fusion of Korean tradition and her own creative touch. It can come in the form of combining traditional techniques with modern designs or offering new interpretations using symbolic motifs and colours. As traditional Korean art is meant to be read as well as seen, she uses stitches, designs, and colours as the language of her work. When practicing embroidery, she loves to stress the importance of expressing yourself freely, as the way the free-spirited ancestors did. Such innovative moves are the driving force that keeps creating tradition and pushing boundaries for the next generation.
See more on Instagram at @johhembroidery.
