“The only way to produce outstanding work is to enjoy what you’re doing. If you haven’t discovered it yet, don’t give up; keep looking. Always put God first in whatever you do; everything I am today is by God’s grace,” says Sungjemi Aonok, curator of Jemi Paints which specializes in bespoke hand painted artworks.
Sungjemi Aonok, a 19-year-old self-taught artist from Changki Village, began painting at the tender age of 11 when she began drawing art inspired by her vivid imagination. A decade later, in April of 2021, she ventured into the field of creating custom commissioned orders via her Instagram handle “jemi_paints,” further stressing that she fell deeper in love with art during the later part of her journey. “Art! It takes me to euphoria,” she exclaimed.
A God fearing artist herself, Aonok, who has had her fair share of obstacles to overcome, says that the Bible verse, Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven,” has always reminded and helped her become a better version of herself.
According to the curator of Jemi Paints, who specializes in creating custom art pieces on keychains, bookmarks, hoodies, denim, tees, wall frames, canvas paintings, art paper paintings, phone cases, shoes, and tote bags, art in society is important because it promotes expression and creativity and can be used as a tool for self expression, therapy, or even finding the beauty in life adding that inspiration can come from just about anywhere, including childhood memories, culture, music, nature, and emotions, while emphasizing that the only limit is one’s own curiosity.
With a decade of experience, Jemi Paints frequently uses acrylics and revealed that most of her sophisticated masterpieces have been acrylic paintings, as well as her desire to pursue larger projects such as realism art and live portraits.
Aonok, a recent higher secondary graduate, claims that while art as a career is a viable option, the lack of a good art/fine arts institute in the state causes many young artists to see it as a big turning point that many cannot overcome, but she claims that “impossible is just an opinion,” revealing her future plans to pursue a professional undergraduate degree course in fine arts outside the state.
“People frequently ask me who I look up to in art or who inspires me, and while there are many people who are better than me, my inspiration comes from God, whom I regard not just as my personal savior but also as the greatest artist. I am inspired by the marvelous workmanship of His hands.”
Jemi Paints can be contacted through
Instagram @jemi_paints or WhatsApp #9089732129
