Kim, Mercedes

"When Tigers Used to Smoke"

Oil on Canvas

16” x 20”

College Senior

Artist Statement: "When tigers used to smoke" is a South Korean phrase used as "once upon a time" when telling fables. The stories tell of tigers as both mythical and real, both a trickster and a protector, and the mountains where I grew up let the stories come alive.  The painting depicts where I learned to form my sense of creativity and whimsy, and my love of animals.  

Artist Bio: I learned to paint because paintings are expensive, then I went back to school because nothing grounds you like effortlessly talented artists of all ages. I am a lover of whimsy with a touch of untold story, and I hope to continue my pursuit of visual excellence.