Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Lawoo:
I've wanted to choose a good piece of art and make a wooden frame to match it.
I pay attention to the work of talented young artists. I hope my collecting will be a little help to them.
Maria:
Hello. This is Maria Kim.
Today, I am with a very special person. The person I would like to introduce now is a real collector. I would like to briefly talk with this collector about the Korean art market and Korean artists. Please, Say hello to the readers of Sayart.net
Lawoo:
Hello, I’m Byoungyoup Lee and I do woodworking.
Maria:
I will show you this place in a video in a moment. This is an amazing place.
You make everything out of wood. I want to call you an artist.
Lawoo:
Actually, I am one of those people who want to become an artist.
Maria:
For that reason, you are collecting a wide variety of works.
The works of several artists are exhibited here. What do you focus on when you buy a piece of art?
Lawoo:
I pay attention to the work of talented young artists. I hope my collecting will be a little help to them.
Maria:
Tell me your collection
Lawoo:
I currently have works by Ji Seon Han, eungabi, kimzigoo, and Jungkang. Today I also got an engraving Edition by Damien Hirst.
Maria:
The number of your collections is likely to increase in the future. What kind of work are you attracted to?
Lawoo:
So far, I don’t buy works for investment purposes. When I see a work and have a desire to own it, I tend to collect it.
Maria:
What does it mean when you say, “I will never sell my collections”?
Lawoo:
I have no plans to sell my collection.
Maria:
I have heard that real collectors are people who have watched artists work for over 10 to 20 years, cheering them on and owning their works.
From an artist's point of view, I think it's a great fortune to meet a real collector like you.
Lawoo:
I also want to be a real collector.
Maria:
What do you think of the Korean art market these days?
Lawoo:
I think the Korean art market is more known because of the Lee Kun-hee Collection. I also got related information from the people around me and also heard various information such as art tech. Actually, the field that I am actually interested in is art made with wood above all else.
I hope that the inspiration from the work can be combined with the wooden frame I made to maximize the artistry. One day, I would like to be called by the title of “the artist who creates frames that don’t exist in the world”.
Maria:
As a result, your wood framework is collaborating with the artist who created it. Yes?
Lawoo:
Yes. I think so too. Each work has a variety of energies, but most of the existing picture frames are formal, so I've been thinking about changing it.
Maria:
There is a saying, "The more you know, the more you see." Looking at the work, Can you imagine the wooden frame you will make?
Lawoo:
Yes, I can.
When I bought Jeroz's work before, I thought this painting was like a scene from a TV. So, right after I bought the work, I made the cabinet imagined frame and put the work in the frame.
Maria:
The video you see now is that work.
Lee bought the 1st edition of JEROZ's seven works, and he re-directed it like a scene that popped out of the TV. I think this method is very creative and ingenious.
In the future, I hope that you will continue to collect and interact with various artists to create many interesting collaborations.
Lawoo:
I wish I had such an opportunity too.
Maria:
I think you have enough skills.
The name of LEE's woodwork shop is Laudo, and it is located in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do. What do you mainly do here?
Lawoo:
Usually I do what the customers want. And whenever I have free time, I try to create creative works that mix my ideas.
Maria:
I think the life of making art is really happy.
Lawoo:
In fact, when I am here, I often forget to go home.
Maria:
Thank you very much for accepting this sudden interview.
Please give us a message for our Korean artists.
Lawoo:
I hope that you will be recognized abroad as well. I want to empower you through collecting. Also, I want to collaborate with your work and my frame. If this collaboration with me helps you advance into overseas markets, I will do my best.
Maria:
Thank you very much. Your dream is similar to the direction Sayart.net is going. So far, I have talked with “Lawood woodworking studio” CEO Byoungyoup Lee.
Thank you! Please say hello.
