Sojourn - Jina Lee

Jina Lee is a South Korean-born sculptor who explores themes of identity, human emotions, and nature through her artwork. Her journey began in 1999 when she was accepted into the Kaywon School of Arts in South Korea, igniting a passion that led her to complete a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture at Kookmin University.

Jina often works with stone, blending traditional sculpting techniques with modern aesthetics. Her sculptures are noted for their fluid lines, organic forms, and deep connection to the natural world, reflecting both her cultural heritage and contemporary artistic vision. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, showcasing complex emotions and narratives through meticulous craftsmanship and an intricate understanding of form, material, and space.

In addition to stone, Jina has expanded her use of materials to include bronze, wood, and steel over the past 20 years. Her artistic approach emphasizes the theme of 'connection,' highlighting the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. Jina's process involves forming a deep relationship with each piece of stone, aiming to remind viewers of their bond with the Earth through her sculptures.

Jina is the director of STONE TO ART, Western Australia’s first stone sculpture symposium (www.waisss.com.au).

'This exhibition marks a significant milestone—a tapestry of twenty years in my journey as an artist. It began with the display of my first stone sculpture, showing the development from one artwork to the next, and how my move from South Korea to Australia has profoundly shaped my artistic voice. Just as life unfolds, so too does my artistic evolution, continuously revealing my metamorphosis through the sculptures shaped by my hands over transformative time. Each piece reflects my deep passion for stone carving, with every work carrying its own unique story—a journey of transformation, and a reflection of home. It exists at the heart of my being.

Sojourn embodies the continuous movement of moments, capturing the essence that it cannot be halted or reversed; it flows onward, much like a journey I have wholeheartedly embraced. Along this path, I carry my experiences, expectations, hopes, thoughts, memories, and the diverse cultures that have shaped both my identity and my art.

Yet, through it all, life persists, filled with its inevitable ups and downs, and I hope each experience adds depth to my work and enriches my perspective.' - Jina Lee, September 2024