Artist Statement

In my exploration of nature-inspired abstraction through stitching with home sewing machines and mixed media painting, I embark on a journey of discovery akin to observing nature under magnification. Each brushstroke and layer of texture, and stitches intertwines to unveil the mystical and magical essence of the natural world, revealing the intricate dance of life and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Through contemplating the beauty and the ugliness inherent in these forms, I conceive of hybrid compositions that celebrate the profound interconnectivity of all living beings. 

The process of stitching builds tension onto the canvas, and it puts on full display the deliberate labor of women's works in the past in Korea, juxtaposed with the incidental abstraction of the painting. Yet, amidst this work practice, I cannot ignore the looming specter of climate change, which threatens to disrupt the harmonious patterns I seek to capture. Through the marriage of painting and stitching, I invite viewers to contemplate the profound beauty and fragility of our planet, inspiring reverence and action to protect and preserve it for generations to come.

Artist Biography

On-Kyeong Seong is a mixed media artist originally from Seoul, South Korea who currently lives and works in Peabody, MA. Seong was a teacher at an elementary school in Korea for many years and then came to Boston to pursue her dream as an artist. She delved into art and culture by spending time in Boston and New York City, NY. She received her MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University and her BFA from Lesley University Art and Design, Cambridge. Seong’s work has been exhibited widely, including at Newport Art Museum, Newport, RI, Coastal Contemporary Gallery, Newport, RI, Cambridge Art Association, Cambridge, MA, Wheelock College and Boston University, Boston; Kingston Gallery, Boston; the Korean Consulate General, Newton, MA; Brookline Art Center, Brookline, MA; Harvard University, and Mass Art College, Boston. Seong has been featured in various art magazines and broadcasts including WBUR’s ARTery, Boston’s WHDH TV Channel 7, Artsy, Art New England, Artscope Magazine, Contemporary Art Curator, and Spotlight Magazine.