Press Release Auburn: Art on Main Gallery Bella Kim Contact: Allison Hyde, Arts Coordinator 253-931-3043 arts@auburnwa.gov<mailto:arts@auburnwa.gov> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2022 ___________ The City of Auburn and the Auburn Arts Commission are pleased to present artwork by artist Bella Kim at Auburn's Art on Main window-front gallery, on view through January 2, 2022. Artist Statement: I have been experimenting with recycled materials for my art. This is related to my habits and memories from my childhood. I grew up watching women in my family busy sewing, mending, and bedding, so I naturally learned machine sewing. Because supplies were scarce at that time, I had to use recyclable materials, and the neck of worn socks was good stuff for the Barbie dolls' skirts, which were my first recyclable artwork. Now, 50 years later, the world is faced with the need to save the planet from human-caused global warming. As an artist, I want to be part of that movement and reduce the consumption of energy and resources while doing my creative activities. In my surroundings, it is easy to find leftovers and packages of food or merchandise that are going to be thrown away. As I see their colors and textures as unique, special, and still gorgeous, I collect these plastics every day and prepare them for transformation, then I cut, wash, and dry them. Those pieces are in various sizes and colors. I regroup them based on colors and textures, then sew and patch them to create the whole artwork. [IMG_1094.jpg] I love to see the harmony of small and insignificant patches, which blend so well together, often making patterns, textures, and unexpected effects such as transparency, shadows, and even 3-dimensional structures. Most of my work is expressed in the composition of lines and planes. I am inspired by Korean traditional and western abstract art. My creativity is often sparked by my imagination from nature, and the world around me. This transformation of useless materials into meaningful results gives me endless joy and I hope that people would also appreciate how ordinary materials can be used for art. Bella Kim, 2022. Mixed media installation. Art on Main Gallery, One Main Street, Auburn, WA 98001 The gallery is viewable from the street 24 hours a day 7 days a week ____________________________________________________________________________ This art installation is coordinated through the City of Auburn, Parks, Arts & Recreation Department and with the support of the Auburn Arts Commission. Questions? Contact Allison Hyde, Arts Coordinator or arts@auburnwa.gov<mailto:arts@auburnwa.gov>. Information on City of Auburn cultural arts program can be found at www.auburnwa.gov/arts<http://www.auburnwa.gov/arts> or call 253-931-3043. Allison Hyde (she/her/hers) | Arts Coordinator City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation 253.804.5043, ahyde@auburnwa.gov<mailto:ahyde@auburnwa.gov> More ARTS Than You Imagined!<http://www.auburnwa.gov/arts> The information contained in this electronic communication is personal, privileged and/or confidential information intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity(ies) to which it has been addressed. If you read this communication and are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication, other than delivery to the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.