Story behind the art of Hyun Jung Kim

27th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and the Society of Illustrators

Korean Swamppink

Helonias koreana

I chose Heloniopsis koreana for this artwork because of its delicate beauty and its significance as a native plant of Korea. This perennial herb thrives in shady, moist areas within high mountain valleys and ridges. The scientific name “koreana” highlights its Korean origin. In English, it is known as swamp pink, and in Korea, it is called 처녀치마, meaning lady’s skirt, due to the flower’s shape. These flowers bloom in April, producing 3-10 reddish-purple flowers that turn greenish as they mature. The flower stalks reach 10-30 cm, and new leaves emerge like a cushion at the base. The characteristics of the plant, including its height and flower structure, captivated me and provided a rich subject for my artwork.

Heloniopsis koreana plays a vital role in Korean wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. Historically, these plants are significant as indicators of healthy wild environments and are crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

However, Heloniopsis koreana is a threatened species, primarily due to habitat destruction and changes in shady wetland hydrology caused by urban development, pollution, and climate change. By drawing these flowers, I aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving their natural habitats and the broader ecosystems they support, especially within Korea.

The artwork shows the plant emerging from the cold ground in early spring with the flowers in full bloom. Their bright pink-purple petals contrast with the leaves, which bear various scars and show signs of color change and wilting. I aimed to capture both the delicate beauty of the flower and the plant’s resilience against the challenges it faces.

The most difficult aspects of drawing this plant were that the flower is not found in easily accessible places, and it blooms for only a short time in early spring. In addition, if it rains or snows, the flower wilts, so I had to find it quickly. Then it took me five months to do the composition and the drawing. During that time, I had to observe and patiently work on the piece, repeatedly referring to the photographs of the plant I had taken. Balancing detailed textures with overall composition to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing piece required meticulous planning and execution.

I used colored pencils for my artwork, specifically Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer watercolor pencils and polychromos pencils, with 120 colors. My technique involves sharpening the pencils to a fine point and filling in large areas with fine lines, which requires precision and dedication. The piece measures 51.5 x 36.4 cm, allowing for a detailed and intimate portrayal.

With my art, I want to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for these lesser-known, threatened species and inspire a deeper connection to the natural world. By highlighting that this plant is native to Korea and carries the name “koreana,” I aim to foster pride in Korea’s botanical heritage and encourage efforts to protect such unique and vital ecosystems. 

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