[Chapter 20 of the Zhongyong contains a quote that encapsulates the entirety of Eastern thought. In this context, "Sincerity" (Seong, 誠) does not merely refer to human honesty or diligence. Rather, it describes the tireless, rhythmic, and authentic movement of the entire universe.
"Sincerity itself is the Way of Heaven. The process of striving toward Sincerity is the Way of Humanity."
The Artist’s Commentary: The Gift of Gold Ink
A friend from China sent me a stick of Golden Ink (Geum-mok), a rare and precious material. For a long time, I agonized over how to best utilize such a refined medium. In the end, I simply let my brush follow its own path—writing with total spontaneity.
The resulting work is beautiful because of its "Emptiness" (Heo); it is the space between the strokes that allows the spirit of the ink to breathe.
From the 13th to the 31st, Gallery Ruben (4 Insadong 5-gil) is hosting an exhibition featuring the works of Do-ol Young-oak Kim. Known globally as a philosopher and oriental medical doctor, Do-ol has also dedicated decades to the traditional arts of Muninhwa (literati painting) and calligraphy.
This particular showcase is a collaborative effort with his daughter, artist Miru Kim, focusing on translating Eastern philosophical thought into visual form.
The Story of the Tree: "A Monument of Vitality"In the garden of my study, Bonghyega, stands a massive tree at the heart of Gyerim.
Its presence is so vast that it seems to shelter the entire garden. Though I once feared its height would make it succumb to the elements, it has weathered dozens of powerful typhoons.
The spirit of this tree has become synonymous with the spirit of the Korean people—forming the very core of their soul and psyche. It represents the harmony of Yin and Yang (the divine order). As the philosopher Su-un once said, this harmony creates through Mu-wi—the act of effortless creation.
[Artist's Commentary]
My writing studio, Cheonsanjae, remains $2$ to $3$ degrees cooler in the summer thanks to the canopy of this tree. Known as the Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), or "Seolsong" (Snow Pine) in North Korea, it is an evergreen giant that can reach heights of $40$ to $50$ meters. To capture its immense energy (Qi) in my painting, I chose not to draw individual needles, but instead represented its vitality through concentrated "points of energy."
[artist's commentary ]
My study is nestled at the foot of Naksan, which can be described as the "Left Blue Dragon" (Jwa-cheong-ryong) of the Joseon Royal Palace. When I open the south-facing window of the room where I write, an ancient pine tree fills my vision.
Though it appears physically weathered and sparse, the way it tenaciously sustains its life serves as a constant source of inspiration.
The pine tree is the very soul and spirit of the Korean people. It possesses a nobility and grace that is fundamentally different from the Japanese pine (Waesong).
To possess the heart to feel a single tree as one’s own compatriot—this is the true meaning of "In" (Benevolence) as spoken of in the ancient classics.
