Jill Kyong
Jill Kyong
The peace and magnitude of nature is what inspires the aesthetics of my work. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the natural world provide visual references that I simplify with minimal elements and geometric proportions. But this world that displays so much beauty also produces a world of human tragedy and I combine these events to show a promise of peace and hope for the many hardships we all experience.

A common theme in my work is the need to connect; to connect as humans, as neighbors, young and old, no matter the disagreements, be they superficial or real. The element I use most to suggest this connection are stones that I make from wood. The wood stones are symbols of power and strength when stacked, but also symbols of loneliness and failure to connect when left alone. The stones capture moments of engagement and also estrangement as we move through our time on earth. The loose stones can be picked up and moved, making the work interactive for viewers. Each person can hold the stones, move them, and create their own cosmos from their chaos.