bio: Se Jong Cho

I began painting while I was pursuing my PhD in environmental science and engineering about 7 years ago. It was really out of frustration. I had many doubts about my aptitude in science and felt like an imposter in the academic world. But painting empowered me to complete my scientific pursuit, because it taught me to recognize the incremental nature of progress. It is important to keep on painting—no matter how bad it looks—in order to find the beauty in it. Likewise, I kept on working on my PhD dissertation until I understood and was able to declare its scientific contribution to the world. Another important thing painting taught me was how I must have faith in my abilities (if I don't believe in myself, who will?). I still have to reassure myself that I can turn this shit--paintings often look like shit in the beginning--to gold. 

Now after painting for several years, I began to appreciate the entanglement of art and science in my life, which is providing so much meaning and motivation for moving forward. My training as a scientist taught me to become observant and to think critically, and painting renewed my sense of curiosity. I cultivated my brand of imagination through the studies in science, and developed my painting techniques informed by the engineering discipline. My scientific research is also taking a new path in the integration of art and science. While science can provide information and data about environmental issues, it is often not sufficient to influence our decision-making and promote conservation behavior. Art touches people where science can't reach. I began to think that a strong coalition between science and art must be formed to address some of the most pressing issues in the world. I recently held a workshop involving social and environmental scientists and artists to articulate and conceptualize the ways in which art affects our attitude and behavior. I am also planning a multi-disciplinary art installation to test the ideas developed in the workshop. 

Science has broaden my understanding of the world, and painting has allowed me to share this understanding through the lens of my imagination. I love the physicality of painting; through this tactile exercise I am able to access parts of my brain, elusive to the rational mind. So, I continue to paint...everyday if I can. 

View my artist CV

View my Scientist CV