Interview with New York Painter, Usoon Woo

If you ever were to meet Usoon, you would never forget her. Her energy and exuberance makes a long lasting impression and her paintings are filled with passion and spirit, much like herself. 

Below is the conversation we had about her latest work:

 EC:Could you tell me about your current series you are working on?

 I just started a new series called “Graphic Prose”. I love to write and I love to paint so I am excited about this new body of work because it brings both worlds together. The pieces are text-based and very colorful; Inspired by picket signs. They are whimsical, vibrant paintings that represent me, like a visual diary of sorts.

EC: Where do most of your ideas come from?

Keeping my journal close at hand and then browsing through it months later when I am uninspired and deflated. It’s like a cookie jar.

EC:What has inspired you to come up with this idea?

Watching documentaries that involve protests or demonstrations. The picket signs really inspired me on so many levels. I also found some old stories of mine where I started to experiment with changing the fonts and colors; really bringing them to “visual life”. I had forgotten about those and so I am revisiting that idea with a new perspective.

EC:In what ways do you express yourself with what you are trying to say in your work?

Most of my work revolves around symbols or text and a whole lot of color.  I can’t think of a better way to express myself.  With 26 letters, you can say absolutely anything.

EC:What mediums do you work with?

Usually, if I am painting I use acrylics and pastels. But, I’ll use anything I drag home from the art store, or grocery store. Really, who can say no to inks or graphite pencils or markers? I just got done working with alphabet pasta for god’s sake.

EC:I know that your husband is a musician. How has that influence your artwork?

My husband is so supportive and he’s really helpful in any construction issues or brainstorming sessions. He is the most original person I’ve ever met, so he, himself, influences my artwork more than any music ever could.

EC:How has  working for an artist altered your perspective in art? (Either on the business side and/or the creative side.)

Working as an artist assistant has been invaluable; especially here in NYC. I have worked for other artists in other cities, but none can compare to NY. I have learned so much in the studio, and most importantly, I have met so many other artists through the studio.  The artist I work for is successful and amazing. She is basically my mentor; she just doesn’t realize it.  While in the studio, I am there when things go wrong and when things go right. I get to see it all for the most part and it both empowers me and intimidates me at the same time.  Nonetheless, I get to use my artistic skills, which is 100% more enjoyable than any cubicle I’ve ever been in before.