Eun Vivian Lee
I am fortunate to count remarkable artists among my friends, and Vivian is one of them. In fact, she and another artist friend were a major inspiration behind my decision to open this gallery. For years, I found myself wondering why more people did not know their work. Their talent felt too compelling to remain within a small circle of admirers.
I have followed Vivian’s artistic journey since we first met in New York City over a decade ago. While the materials and stories behind her series have changed over time, her creative process remains deeply methodical and rooted in repetition. Yet the repetition in Vivian’s work is never mechanical. It is contemplative. Her practice becomes a space for mindfulness, a way to filter out the noise of the world and for her to turn inward.
Before dedicating herself fully to painting, Vivian studied Computer Graphics, which likely informs the structured systems and visual rhythms present in her work. That early engagement with digital structure and visual logic quietly echoes through her paintings, like an invisible framework guiding each mark.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Ten Quick Questions
What is the story behind your name? Eun is my Korean name and when I first moved to the US my English teacher asked if I wanted an English name. I always loved Vivian Leigh as an actress. She was my mom’s favorite actress. I always thought her name was so beautiful, so I named myself Vivian. I was born in Korea but spent 2/3 of my life in the US and I really identify myself as a little bit Korean with a lot of American in me. I love my name Eun Vivian Lee. It represents who I am.
What is a book you would recommend to a friend? Just Kids (by Patti Smith)
What is one of your pet peeves? I have so many, maybe too many, but top of the list would be… I can’t stand shallowness and superficiality. I just can’t stand them in all forms.
What is a noise or sound you love/hate? Sound you mean like music? I listen to a lot of classical music especially piano, it creates an ambient that is tranquil and calm. I hate the sound of constructions.
What is a smell you love/hate? I love any smell that reminds me of spa. I always want my house to smell like that. It just makes me so happy. I hate the smell of a dirty city.
Where is a favorite place on Earth? I don’t have a “favorite” place per se, but whenever I am surrounded by greens, trees, endless green field also with a lake or some kind of water access, I feel like nothing else matters in the world. That is all I ever need in life.
What is a dream you have? I have all sorts of dreams and love having dreams. They are the best. I often dream of me being a secret agent and I am fighting against the evils of the world.
What was an embarrassing moment in your life? It was at my first daughter’s graduation. I went up to a woman I knew from a long ago to say hi and was so happy to see her and she sort of gave me a cold hand. I felt embarrassed in front of my family and also felt a little hurt being ignored.
When was the last time you cried? When I watched Hamnet.
What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know that I am a good cook. I love all kinds of cookings. When people find out that I have good skills in the kitchen, they always seem so surprised. I wanted to become a chef if I didn’t become an artist.
Available Artworks
