A Journey Through Materials and Techniques
The Foundation of Korean Painting Imagine an artist in ancient Korea, carefully selecting each material that would bring their vision to life. In traditional Korean painting, three essential components form the backbone of any artwork: the base material (foundation), the coloring agents (pigments and dyes), and the binder (glue). These elements were not just tools but the very soul of the painting process. Mastering their properties and understanding how to handle them was crucial for creating high-quality artwork that could withstand the test of time. For centuries, pigments in Korean painting were sourced from the natural world—minerals and organic materials found in the earth and among plants and animals. Inorganic pigments were extracted from minerals, giving the artwork a raw, earthy quality, while organic pigments brought the vibrancy of living nature into the painting. This connection to nature was more than just practical; it was deeply spiritual, with each brushstroke ca...