JIEUN KIM

Who are you?

I’m June. [Laughs]

Where are you from?

I’m from Seoul, South Korea but I live in Toronto now.

What do you do?

I’m a Street Artist, Tattoo Artist, I do design, sometimes make logos… sometimes, ceramic works. I love creating.

How do you classify your style?

Oooh, my style? Bold and colourful.

What are your favourite projects to work on?

Sometimes I really enjoy doing street art, mostly because I love spray paint and I love the vibe of being outdoors doing it with other people. But, sometimes I really enjoy tattooing because it’s more personal and you get to have more of a deeper conversation with your clients because it’s a more one-on-one thing.

What is creativity to you?

Creativity is fuel for me to move forward because my life is about art. I make my living by making art. So, without creativity there won’t be anything. So, yeah — it’s my food. It’s my fuel.

Who are your favourite artists?

I really like Henri Rousseau. He’s a French artist — I also have a tattoo of one of his paintings.

For more contemporary artists… I really like all the spray artists all over Toronto. I really admire how people use the same medium that I do and create such different art.

Favourite place to find inspiration?

I guess just from nature. I like to get out sometimes, like go camping or to a cottage. We live in a really busy city, so sometimes I need some quiet time to think about my art.

Why is art important?

It gives freedom… Like, with art you can make anything. It doesn’t have to make sense, it doesn’t have to be logical. You can just create something that you feel. And not everybody feels the same about art so it’s a fun thing.

What’s your favourite Collective Arts drink?

I really like Saint of Circumstance. It was actually one of the first cans I worked on with Collective Arts!

What’s your dream project?

I always wanted to be an International artist. I’m, like, halfway there because I’m from Korea! But, I want to do more work outside of Canada. This summer I’m going to Germany for the Hands Off The Wall Festival.

Where’s your favourite mural by another artist?

I really, really like Okuda’s mural that’s on Jarvis and Carlton. It’s a huge, huge mural… It’s really, really cool.

Where’s your favourite place you’ve ever done a mural?

I really liked painting in Halifax. Not only was it a good vibe with the people around, but we also had one of the best oysters there. [Laughs]

What do you do to stay inspired?

I think collaboration with other artists. Whenever you work with other people you always learn something from them no matter how experienced you are.

Step into history and creativity at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Their permanent collection is one of Canada’s finest collections, boasting artists like Colville, Haring and Carr. Embrace inspiration with studio classes, festivals, performances and artist talks. Discover art that challenges, engages and excites—perfect for creative souls seeking unique experiences.

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