Janie Jaehyun Park

Acrylic

Biography

Janie Jaehyun Park is an Ottawa-based Canadian visual artist who was born in South Korea. She obtained her BA in French Literature from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea and a diploma in Illustration from Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. From a very early age, she has studied a wide range of media and many different drawing and painting techniques through her entire life and has been exhibiting her artworks for many years.

Janie has published several award-winning children’s picture books in Canada, the United States, Korea and Japan. Her commercial work has appeared on book covers, holiday cards, CD covers, and in a variety of newspapers and magazines. Her first picture book, The Tiger and The Dried Persimmon, a Korean folktale, was nominated as a finalist for the Canadian Governor General’s Literary Awards and won the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award in Canada.

She has shown her fine artworks in various group shows in Seoul in South Korea, Toronto & Ottawa in Ontario, and Georgeville in Quebec. Her paintings can be found in private collections throughout Korea and Canada.

Artist Statement

I would describe my artwork as “stylized representationalism,” a reflection of my state of mind as a visual poem. As I navigate through life, certain moments capture my attention, compelling me to pause and immerse myself in their story. My creative process begins with introspection, as I reflect on the emotions evoked in these moments of transfixion.

At times, my work is characterized by rich and vibrant colors, while in other instances, it features a strong focal point with a more restrained palette. Regardless of the approach, I strive to create striking compositions that engage the viewer.

I find immense joy in translating my thoughts and emotions into visual form. For me, the act of creating art is a meditative experience-one that brings both reflection and fulfillment.