South Korea | 01.11.11

The last hurrah

No wonder South Korea is the 10th biggest economy in the world; they work at speed and accomplish a great deal. And they certainly know how to build bridges and highways and tall buildings and lots of them. Mr Ko , Director of Yatoo Korean Nature Artists Association, works double-time most of the time. He organised a number of programs while I was at the Centre including the:

In addition Mr Ko undertook the task of organising the international artists involved in these programs. (Trying to organise artists I am told is like trying to herd cats)!

For my exposition I prepared an 8 minute slide show which I presented to members of the Yatoo Nature Artist’s Association Committee and fellow artists. While giving a brief introduction to some of the nature art works in the Nature Park, most of the images deal with the making of the stone sculpture and its installation for those interested in process.

After nearly three and a half weeks my time in Korea was limited. The speed with which things had to be done increased. I remember one day in particular where I had been flat out; fixed a door handle that came off in my hand, then joining Mr Ko when he  picked up a VIP from the Arts Council of Korea at the bus-station . We travelled to Wongol village for the benefit of the VIP providing him with an opportunity to meet the artists in residence after which we had a late lunch at a restaurant. Back at the Centre I began oiling and burnishing a wood sculpture I had made, packing away my tools, doing last minute washing, deciding what must stay and what clothes, books, catalogues to pack, etc……

The sculpture I was oiling was a small version of the large stone ‘sword/leaf’. I used an amazing wood, a cross between a silky oak and a maple, to make this work which I signed with the JF logo and duly presented to Mr Ko’s wife at her restaurant. It felt good to be able to express my thanks and appreciation for all the meals I had enjoyed. (I had anticipated buying and preparing my own food for 4 weeks but instead I enjoyed traditional Korean food every day). And of course, no Korean meal would be complete without kimchi.  Koreans serve the spicy fermented vegetables at almost every meal, and few Koreans can last more than a few days before craving more. My hosts were surprised when I told them I had kimchi at home in Australia and enjoyed the taste.