The Inevitable Discord America's diversity allows individuals to communicate with people of such different backgrounds. But with words getting lost in translation and differing backgrounds, it's nearly impossible for us to fully understand other’s mindsets. However minor, clashing is inevitable. All we can do to prevent conflict is to accept our differences. I reflect the struggle to understand despite speaking the same language through the gestures, coloring, and abstract style of the figures to my left and right.	Discretion We must sense the atmosphere and notice subtle signs to have meaningful conversations and therefore good relations. While the concept isn't popular in America, there is a term dedicated to it in Korea (“nunchi”) that is used on a daily basis. My piece aims to spark the realization of this concept for those who aren't aware of it's importance in today's society. I imitated colorblind tests to suggest that some see what others can't while using small components to emphasize attention to detail.	Inner Turmoil Despite communication being necessary for personal and societal growth, it has always been a struggle for me due to my introverted nature. I blamed my fate for making me incapable of asking questions and expressing my opinions, which is expressed in this piece through my struggle to accept the red fabric that grows out of me. And so I posed the question to myself through the two contrasting figures in this piece: must I accept the fate of my identity or push myself to change it?
The Future of Communication We innovate through communicating and develop new methods of communication by innovating.This cycle suggests that innovation allows for communication between the present and future. My piece portrays this by showing the historical aspect of communication in the backdrop while incorporating the theme of “The Creation of Adam”: the known reaching out to the indescribable unknown. The red ribbon indicates that communication is indeed occurring with the unknown future and is rapidly intensifying.	From Where I Stand Throughout the creation of my portfolio, I found that my identity consists of not only my introverted nature but also my role in the community and where I stand on different issues. Establishing these other aspects of my character required me to communicate with people, and so I gained a greater understanding of others' perspectives and the remaining pieces to who I am. My piece shows the solution to my “inner turmoil”, portraying the accepting of my identity and gradual creation of a presence.	Book Art - A Moment of Silence Excerpt from "The Five Keys to Mindful Communication" by Susan Gillis Chapman Within our current outspoken society where everyone is encouraged to establish their beliefs, we must take a "moment of silence." This time would give us a chance to fully process our intentions and find the optimal way to express them. And even though America has become more progressive with the push for self-expression, we must first remember to reflect before we speak in order to avoid abusing this new power.
The Superhighway Our fast-paced world allows a mere board of metal to take us to cities halfway across the globe in seconds. The communities even in foreign countries can be accessed and close relations can be formed with people all around the world. By taking the form of both a motherboard and a map, my piece aims to express both an appreciation and fascination in the technology that has become a crucial part of my daily life.	Warmth Figure Study Mixed Media - Charcoal, Watercolor, Newspaper	Buoys and Ropes Watercolor Observation This piece was inspired by my love yet fear toward the ocean. Wanting to explore the mysterious body of water but also fearing what lies beneath the surface, I always find comfort from the buoys that float in the distance. I wanted to portray the beauty of buoys and how they connect me back to the known world through a direct observation piece that emphasizes their vibrant colors, which obviously clash with the natural cool hues of the ocean.
Gift Shop Ink and Watercolor Observation	Acknowledgement This piece argues that most of the world is not using technology for its intended purpose of communicating. Instead, it is widely used to provide a sense of acknowledgement, like the Magic Mirror, through the number of likes acquired on social media posts. While we are warned about our misuse of technology, we almost always choose to ignore the error messages, instead choosing to obsess over our phones and continue seeing the insignificant numbers as a reflection of our worth.	A Logical Approach We many times subconsciously make assumptions of passing strangers, creating false identities of these people based purely on our own opinions of their appearances. My piece argues that we must not make room for assumptions and stereotypes, and we can do this by approaching others through a more logical lense. We should not assume but ask questions when we want to know answers relating to others and their identities. Only then will we be able to create and maintain good relations.
Beyond What Meets the Eye It is almost alarming as to how the same objects can appear so different from various aspects and contexts. People, in this way, are the same. But we are different in the sense that others cannot claim to fully know and understand us only by observing our different sides. My piece aims to spark the realization that the true identities and potentials of every individual is so much more than what meets the eye. Only by conversing can true identities be unlocked and deeper relationships formed.	Under Construction My intention when creating this piece was to practice and experiment with the concept of perspective through the use of mixed media and various art styles.	Sketchbook Sketchbook pages for The Inevitable Discord