I just still can’t get enough: Choi Jung In, Part Deux
P.S. She had her lead cobbler measure my feet! Both feet are exactly the same size (a rarity I was told and those ankle boots that she’s wearing? They will be mine! My first pair of custom-made shoes! Many thanks to the Choi Jung In and her expert staff.
I could have stayed in her presence all day. Choi Jung In met with me again (it’s been a year) in her new studio near Itaewon wear she and her expert shoemakers design and construct exquisite handmade shoes. Bliss! She sat me down, the air pregnant with incense and her undeniable creativity and energy. Can you tell I worship her? Ha! As you know, I photographed her shoes in a previous blog of mine and now I will show you just a smidgen of what I saw in her studio. This time I wanted to listen more to Jung In (first name). I wanted to listen more about her ideas on fashion, aspirations past and present, her creative process. She gave me three hours of her time and now I’m still trying to put everything that she said into five or six paragraphs for my book. Her work is constantly photographed for Vogue, Elle, etc.
She believes wholeheartedly in what she does and I believe in what she is doing. She is simply doing what she loves, sharing it with the masses and loving every minute of it. She’s a artist, designer, entrepreneur, mother and wife. I wish her all the best, nothing but the best!
When faced with adversity, just stand
I am sitting here in a lovely hanok that a dear friend is letting me work and live in while she is away on vacation. I will head back to my beautiful Virginia (was thinking Berline, but bof! Berlin?) I have made a lot of progress while here in Seoul and have lined up two very important interviews that I will include in my book. I was told to focus only on one thing at a time, “first get your book published, then move on to your next project”. Wise words but now as Friday is getting closer, I now ask myself what the next step for me is.
Without going into too much details, I have decided to move toward actually making a home for myself and still travel the world working as a photographer and writer. I can have both! I can have it all! Who knew?
I shot this in a cafe that is the epitome of what I’d like to open up in my city of choice. This horse reminds me now of what to do when faced with doubt, possible adversity: Just stand. Don’t do anything hasty, don’t run to friends or family for the answer, just stand, access the situation and I think, like this horse (who is facing a panther): STAND AND SMILE. I’m grateful for all the great things that have happened, that are happening, and that will continue to happen. How lucky am I to be among such a great country and city to have met such amazing people. In honor of Chusok (Korean Thanksgiving) that took place yesterday, I thank my host and hostess for their unwavering hospitality, my friend Anna of
Annamatic (and husband) my cool family and countless others who make make me glad to be alive and always have a kind, intelligent, funny word for me. Thank you and keep it coming!
My photographs will be in the new book by Tom Dixon!
Yes, you read that correctly ladies and gentlemen!
My photographs will be seen in the new tome written by Tom Dixon entitled: The Interior World of Tom Dixon, published by ConranOctopus. It really was divine providence that I met this wonderful, intelligent and thought-provoking designer at a party held in his honor here in Seoul back in 2007. Amazing!
He asked to see my work, liked it enough to hire me to be his photographic eyes here in Seoul and the rest you will be able to see on the 15th of September! Working for Tom Dixon made me take a closer look at curves, lines, texture and how they affect not only everything that I do and touch but also how it affects the way that we all live and respond to our environment.
I’m so excited and honored that this man thought enough of my work to take a chance on an unknown photographer like myself. Thank you Tom for the opportunity and for the great advice you gave me when I visited you and your staff in London this summer. I hope to continue to collaborate with designers and artists of his caliber in the days to come. I am back here in Seoul partly due to his advice as well as my faith that I can accomplish that which I am here to do and become. In a way, I’ve been doing it and have been IT since day one. I mean, aren’t we all doing what we truly want to do? Think about it.
Thank you Tom, you wrote a wonderful book!
If you happen to be in London please go to the book signing!
Here’s also a brief description of the book taken from Riba Book Shops
The Interior World of Tom Dixon
Tom Dixon
Book signing with Tom Dixon: Tom Dixon will be signing his book The Interior World of Tom Dixon and at this year’s Focus event at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London. The signing will take place at 12pm on Monday 22nd September 2008 and will be held at:
RIBA Bookshop
Ground Floor, North Dome
Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
Lots Road
London
SW10 0XF
Interior design is rapidly becoming a subject of general interest as manufacturers, retailers and marketers race to promote and define themselves and their brands through design. Paradoxically, as everything becomes ‘designed’ it gets more and more difficult to define what the word actually means.
This book describes a personal approach from Tom Dixon, who through 20 years of practising, has defined his own rules for categorising and describing different aspects of the subject. Divided into six chapters, the book delves into materials, processes and styles throughout history to the present, and gives an impression of what the future may look like. This is both a personal vision and a valuable resource of ideas.
Conran Octopus September 2008
My book! Yes, MY book!
Hey friends!
I love that I’ve returned to Seoul to attempt such a venture as writing and photographing my very first book.
Now, I was the only photographer hired for another book that’s launching in a couple of weeks, but MORE about that on Monday!
I’ve been back in Seoul for about 4 days and I really have hit the ground the running. I’ve photographed four cafes and have two interviews with great artists next week as well. God is Great, seriously! I’m currently sitting in the oh-so-chic cafe Papergarden, located just downstairs form Papergarden, the fucking gorgeous (I swear occasionally. Michael don’t fall off of your chair upon reading that! Ha! I kiss you much, you’re so damn cute!) clothing store located above.
Will be meeting with one of two publishing companies next week, things are moving and moving in a new direction. I really appreciate the time that I spent with an editor last night. She gave me much to think about regarding the direction and audience that I wish to target. Hmm, I think that if you love interior design, art, fashion, travel, food, everything sensual then, well, you will like my book. MY BOOK!
LA VIE EST BELLE! Live your life!
Here’s a spot that I love to frequent in Hongdae. Thank you, Mr. Yoon for letting me shoot here!
Back in Seoul!
Hello everyone!
It’s my first day back in Seoul. I look a little sleepy, non?
Haven’t even eaten breakfast yet and it’s 12:49 PM.
I’m here to photograph and write my first book! I’m having a blast already!
Will fill you in on the details later but rest assured it’s going to be great!
Thank you all for checking in and commenting!
Ciao!
Felicia, This Time in Seoul
