I
Soey Milk was born in 1989 in Seoul, Korea. At the young age of eleven, she made the move to Los Angeles. She graduated from The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA with a BFA.
II
Milk dedicated her early life to dance, aiming to become a ballerina; however, a chance encounter with painting ignited a new, all-consuming passion, changing the course of her life. She continues to explore the body through figurative painting and the study of human anatomy. Her work is appreciated for its sensitive, sensuous, and elegant style. Floral and gentle colors inspire feelings of empathy. Milk has displayed her artwork in many exhibitions across the nation and also in various international venues. Besides her other projects, she has collaborated with musicians, such as John Mayer and the band Tool.
Fig.1
Fig.2 Painting in progress 'YEONRIJI inosculation' (see also figure 10)
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Fig.4 'Blue Hibiscus'
Fig.5 'Morando Mortem Obire'
Fig.6
III
Soey Milk’s creative process starts with spontaneous sketches that she then refines. Sometimes, inspiration strikes her in a specific image, and she builds upon it to create a masterpiece. This direct approach allows her work to truly align with her artistic vision and brings to life the exact image she had envisioned from the start. Through the art of painting, Milk delves deep into her own thoughts,
feelings, and experiences, using her canvas as a tool for exploration and self-examination. Recognizing the influence her mood has on the quality of her work, Milk consciously maintains a positive attitude while painting. She firmly believes that holding onto negative thoughts can have a detrimental impact, undermining the positive nature of her artistic goals. By staying optimistic and embracing positivity, Milk ensures that her artwork reflects her true intentions and resonates with viewers on a profound level.
Fig.7
Fig.8 What Am I Now That I Was Then
Fig.9 'The Evening Primrose '
Fig.10 'YEONRIJI inosculation'
IV
Working from a figurative foundation, Milk’s oil paintings blend a still life realism with a floral and textile abstraction. Through the artful arrangement of flowers and shards of color, she skillfully transforms elements into a powerful expression of feeling. With an acute eye for composition and an innate understanding of color, she weaves together flowers of various shapes, sizes, and hues to create exciting installations that evoke emotions.
Continue reading in Premium and discover more on the aesthetics in Milk's work, her working method, “graphite paintings”, and many additional examples of her enticing paintings and graphite drawings.
Click HERE for the eternal feminine in the paintings of the prominent Chinese artist Jia Lu
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