My image, entitled “진나는 한복 입습니다 [Jinnah wears Hanbok]” depicts my sister, Ruby, putting on lipstick in the mirror while in her traditional Korean dress (which is called a Hanbok).

This artwork was inspired by my culture and my family. It is also inspired by my sister who encourages me to be my most authentic and artistic self every day. A lot of my photography features her at the center. She is a big part of my life so it is only natural for that to reflect in my artwork.

That powerful feeling that you get when you put on a beautiful outfit and some dazzling makeup is what I was trying to capture. That moment when you feel like everything around you fades and you are in the spotlight. That is the feeling you are witnessing. The message I am trying to communicate is that art comes from life, inspiration comes from life, and I am proud of my family and my culture.