Soo Hong is a Seattle-based visual artist.
Seattle Refined: How long have you been creating? What mediums do you work with?
Hong: I’ve explored different approaches and various mediums in visual arts over the past 20 years. Currently, I primarily work in painting.
Can you tell us about your artistic process and how the different stages work into it?
I prefer to work without a set plan, often starting with photographs, collages or doodles in my sketchbook. The process usually begins with confusion and fragments, which slowly develop into a clear idea. I start painting to engage my hands and explore the concept more deeply. Instead of following a specific narrative or style, I let experimentation and mood guide each piece. This journey is often sparked by the excitement of words, sounds, colors, textures or the mix of materials in search of an alchemic effect.
Tell us about where your inspiration for your art comes from.
I don’t actively search for inspiration, but I surround myself with film, music and books to keep my spirits high. These sources are integral to my daily life and help me seek out moments of synchronicity. I feel that my art is akin to documenting reality, yet it possesses a dreamy quality that transports it into another world.
Do you have a specific “beat” you like best – nature, food, profiles, etc.?
I don’t have a fixed subject, but I aim to spark curiosity in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Still, I am often drawn to water because of its calming and transformative effect on me. I like to visit the lake at night to watch the reflections. In my art, I use watercolor or diluted paint to capture that fluidity. Observing water helps me learn how to flow with life.
Do you have one piece of art that means more to you or is extremely special to you?
The process of creating is more meaningful to me than the moment a piece is completed. There’s something truly special about beginning a new painting, particularly the first mark — it carries profound significance. After the birth of my daughter, I painted Young Mother, a deeply personal piece. Later, I decided to give it to a friend in Korea, who now has three daughters of her own.
What experiences in your life have affected your art the most?
Looking back, I realize that my nomadic life, moving between five different countries and cultures, has deeply influenced who I am. My mother filled our home with souvenirs from each place we lived, revealing new perspectives and the beauty of the world.
If we want to see more of your work, where should we go to find it?
What is next for you? Anything you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?
I’m nearing completion of the “Mono-chameleon” series, which was inspired by a conversation with an old friend who compared me to a chameleon. The idea of finding one’s identity by embracing the surrounding environment, particularly the city, fascinated me. It was exciting to combine photography, collage and painting in this series. I’m eager to share it with the public and hope to find the perfect venue to showcase the work.
Lastly, how do you take your coffee? (We ask everyone!)
I make coffee with a moka pot, using a blend of dark and medium beans. I add hot water and heated oat milk.
About ‘Artist of the Week’: This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at [email protected]. And if you’re wondering just what constitutes art, that’s the beauty of it; it’s up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.