The New York-based artist Sui Park explores the dynamism of organic forms and biomorphic shapes, made with mass-produced industrial materials, in particular, monofilament and cable ties. As the Korean artist says, her work ‘represents transitions, and transformations of nature, the forms are to capture subtle but continuous changes in our emotions, sentiments, memories, and expectations.’ SUITABLE and BLOOM series are the sequence of an investigation into human emotions and expectations, transmitted through delicate organic forms.

The Beginning

Sui Park: I first learned about basketry techniques during my college years. Basketry techniques were fun to learn and discover. Finding how characteristics of forms vary depending on the materials always amused me and propelled me to explore. Monofilament ties were one of the materials that I found very fascinating. They were not applied largely then, but I found their characteristics of flexibility, strength, and smooth texture very appealing to what I want to create and express. What I practice now is a hybrid of new and traditional techniques. I try to combine various basketry forms and techniques into architectural designs and structures. So far, I have explored about 50 fishing line works and counting.

Suitable and Bloom Series

Sui Park: In “Suitable” and “Bloom”, I try to represent and reinterpret moments of evolving nature. I apply traditional basketry patterns and techniques, which can be thought of as units and modules in a slow yet systematic building process of our nature. The basketry weaving creates an organic unity of a firm structure while establishing the character of a unique curvature. Usage of transparent monofilament adds to bringing out underlying mystic features and uncountable facets of our remarkable nature.

Sui Park: The last few pieces express more curvatures in the forms. With more dense curvatures, I think the forms become more specific and identifiable that they may be viewed more closely to some actual objects in nature. What I reinterpret through the curvature has pertained and encapsulated changes and dynamics. They make me wonder how they may have come about. They inspire me to reflect on my experiences, thoughts, and sentiments which are integrated into the final pieces.

Inspiration from nature

Sui Park: Nature is marvelous and remarkable. Looking into nature, makes me ponder, and takes me back to my past, my experiences, thoughts, and sentiments. It also adds to my expectations, both worries and hopes. In my work, I attempt to reinterpret and integrate my inspiration from nature and what I have reflected on from the inspiration. The integration is expressed abstractly because while what I observe from nature is in a specific form, color with identity, the inspiration is more of in the abstract form. I also think the abstractness of my work is a more appropriate way for me to communicate with the audience. What may be perceived from my work does not necessarily have to be confined or limited to organic or biological forms, but it could be anything that the audience reflects on through my work.

Interview with Sui Park | Photography: Sui Park.