One Artist’s Audacious Pursuit of Traditional Korean Hanji

In Korea, there’s a saying that “Good silk lasts 100 years, good hanji lasts 1,000 years.” Hanji, a special paper, is made through a complex, centuries-old process that combines mulberry tree pulp and hand threading. Aimee Lee, a Korean-American artist, received a Fulbright fellowship to learn the craft in Korea. There, she studied with master hanji-maker Jang Seong-woo. Despite being a male-dominated practice, Lee excelled. Her perseverance, audacity and aptness for hanji impressed her mentor so much, that he now refers to Lee as a colleague. Today, she’s the leading hanji weaver in the United States, and has dedicated her career to teaching others this ancient Korean practice.

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[slosher]

'The best way to keep tradition is to evolve it' I enjoyed when she said this

[lili]

Why are people so hard on her craft? She makes art with specialty paper that's rooted in her culture and has been predominantly male focused. She wanted to prove to herself that she can also create beautiful work using hanji and she has. Of course, there's still so much for her to learn and more room to grow, but the fact that she found a way to let out her creativity while also not being put down by the criticism she faced solely based on her gender, is something that we should respect her for.

That being said, this video was very informative and I never knew about the art of hanji as a piece of Korean culture

[glowmilk]

she's passionate about her craft, why is this getting so much hate?

[elijahjacobs]

Great Big Story is such a great channel that keeps everyone interested the only reason I didn't turn notifications on when I subscribed was because with the amount of content they produce daily my notification bar would be full every day!

[rifqahj]

This is so exceptional... i love when people embrace their cultural arts... all the best with your journey

[korecelium]

It's so sad how offended people get by confidence and self-assurance. It's fine if you think the artist came across as a little arrogant, but damn, crucify her why don't you? The enraged self-righteousness coming from these comments in response to a simple story of creativity and success is actually insane.

[saryarohit]

Shout out to Aimee! All the best for being a pioneer for women and continuing your rich heritage and culture. Hope it pays off!

[mimicinabox]

Some people in the comments...Realy. "Bitch, you make papers". Yes, she make papers, the traditional way, that requires a LOT of PATIENCE + trial and errors. Hell, even modern paper-making, even the DIY paper also requires PATIENCE to make, that clearly some of us don't have. Don't dismiss something so trivial when you can't even do it yourself.

[kartbyjuju]

The best way to keep tradition is to evolve it! That is why I started Hanji Art as well. Thank you for sharing your story, you inspired me and I appreciate your passion for Hanji.

[Bluustar]

i don't get why you people hate on someone being proud of what they've accomplished with their life and someone happy in who they are and what they do to embrace where they came from, lol. maybe youre just not happy with yourself? have you thought about that?

[slehcyo]

The women just said she's very creative & spends most her day on art. Stop bashing her.

[jaerinl]

Lol I thought it was about Hanja calligraphy at first

[HannahHinze]

So incredibly beautiful, especially making cords and weaving with paper! I never knew that was a thing.

[vytae]

Why so much saltiness in the comment section?

[aadityaura]

That first line was enough to describe her passion "- I don't know how not to be creative."

[yuvinachloekim]

I don't like how you guys cut off the Korean talk before they even finish the sentence

I've been watching your vids and what I've noticed is that you guys cut off the Korean speakers before they finish their sentence and as someone fluent in Korean it's been really annoying me

[amyduong]

I love traditional clothing. They're so cultural and beautiful!

[squidspambot]

Where are the negative comment? All o see is people complaining about the negative comments.

[jooney]

Beautiful work! thank you for posting!

[kims_quest]

U r such an inspiration. Your determination and talent is incredible. I am so grateful I stumbled across your story in a beauty video ad. I watched there and then came to the Big Story channel to find out more.