THE WORLD REFLECTED IN MY ART

Steven Kim, (24), Photographer, Saipan.

Inspired by his father photography, at a young age, Steven started dedicating his time to his own photography when he came to Hillsong College in 2017. It is during his three-year studies that he discovered a new path and truly began the journey of creativity.

"I realised that God was bringing me through another path that I haven't thought of - the journey of creativity."

What made you start doing your art and keep doing it? 

Growing up during my high school years, my dad was a photographer. Most of the time, he would have a camera with its strap over his shoulders and take the most fascinating photos. Of course, I was becoming curious, but it wasn't to the point where I would be interested in becoming a photographer as a full-time job. He taught me a thing or two about photography before I left for Australia. During the first two weeks of getting used to Sydney, I decided to get a camera. With my limited knowledge of camera brands, I decided to walk into a store and buy the most expensive-looking camera in there. I had no intentions with the camera, other than taking photos and making memories with my friends during my time here. I would take photos of the backyard of my house, photos of my friends that would have cool fits, and photos of the beaches and the mountain lookouts that I would visit from time to time. With the number of experiences and opportunities that I have encountered during my first semester of college, I realised that God was bringing me through another path that I haven't thought of - the journey of creativity. I started to give photography more of my time and effort, and through that, I started to take art more seriously. Throughout my creative journey, I realised that the creativity and the art that I produce aren't just for myself to enjoy, but it also should be for the ones who are in need of God's art.

What is the most memorable project/piece you have worked on and why?

I notice that whenever someone would ask me a question like this, my answer would always differ. If I were to present a project that would describe myself as a creative, it would have to be the photoshoot that took place on the Stockton Sand Dunes in February last year. It would be my most memorable because it was my first project that I have committed to creatively plan and design the whole project. The project was inspired by the Song of Solomon from the Bible. The way that Solomon writes about Jesus and His love for the Church in the form of a love story is an art that moves people. The outcome of this project wasn't what the team has hoped it to be with the instant change of weather, but this project reminded me that creativity and art isn't just the result, rather the process from the idea to the final product. It was the start of many projects I started to enjoy doing the full process.

"How you act daily with the world is reflected in your creativity and art."

How do you see your art drawing others closer to God? 

This is what I have been working on since day one, and I still am currently working on creating art that draws people closer to God. One thing that I am sure of is that how you act daily with the world is reflected in your creativity and art. I would try to engage in conversations about the messages I'm attempting to send with my art. I think that when creatives use art in hope to bring others closer to God, it shouldn't solely depend on the art itself. How you put yourself as a creative in the process also matters as much as your art. Immerse yourself with your audience. Answer your audience's passionate curiosity. Engage with them. Pray for them. God will do the rest. Our creativity and art helps people come closer to God, but ultimately, it's God who transforms our lives.

What are your main sources of inspiration? 

I think my main sources of inspiration differ from time to time. For a while, my inspirations have been between the countless photos that I have pinned on my Pinterest boards, the photographers that I follow and admire on Instagram and Twitter, and the great inspirational tutorial videos from photographers on YouTube. Some of my projects would be inspired by movies with great cinematography, music with great lyrics that would be amazing visually, or books like the Bible.

What does the creative process look like for you?

I consider that the creative process as a whole is an art in itself. With that in mind, I am very intentional with the inspiration that I bring in and the final piece that I get to produce. I try to be consistent with coming up with a message to communicate to the audience, whether it is a type of feeling or a social matter. Then, I look for inspiration or references that strengthen the message I try to send, and start creating from there. It's important that I work with the right people, by reaching out to the creatives that could bring out the best of the emotions that I seek to convey as a photographer. I also need to build trust with the people that I work with. Being honest and vulnerable with what I want to achieve helps bring out the best results. The final outcomes of a photoshoot are also affected by how I am feeling during it. 

"I want my art during this season to reach those who are feeling pressured and give them comfort and hope, but also be an inspiration to create art through this time of isolation."

How could your art be used to help in this season?

How I would want for my art to be used in this season is to have a flexible message to people who are on different paces and different places in this time of isolation. One thing that I have noticed on the social media platforms I am currently on is that there is an unmentioned expectation that makes people think that they would have to come out of this isolation season as a better person through being productive during the isolation. I want my art during this season to reach those who are feeling pressured and give them comfort and hope, but also be an inspiration to create art through this time of isolation.

Check out more of Steven's work on:

Instagram @eunkies