Hwa Seo is a Glasgow-based artist with a background in literature and linguistics, and her work beautifully blends text and imagery. In this interview, she shares how reading and writing shape her creative process, turning words into visual art. She talks about her love for exploring ideas, how nature influences her work, and her fascination with the body and mind. Hwa also gives us a glimpse into her role as Design Director of C Magazine, where she balances creativity with structure. Through her thoughtful answers, we learn how she experiments with art and design, always looking for new ways to express ideas in fresh and meaningful ways.

Hwa Seo is a featured artist in our book “101 Art Book: Portrait Edition .” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

I am a Glasgow-based artist from South Korea with a background in literature and linguistics. My work has been featured at the Annex Gallery (2023) and the Glue Factory (2024) in Glasgow, as well as the Art Department Centre (2024) in Paisley. My art process is deeply influenced by my background in literature and creative writing, as I often build on literary practices. The imagery I encounter while reading and writing connects to the image-making in my art and vice versa. When I transform words or linguistic sources into visual art, their original meaning shifts in response to my current environment. As a result, I now merge text and art seamlessly on the canvas. Painting is my primary medium; I explore the body and mind within figuration. The gestures and (un)conscious movements of the body offer insights into the psyche, one of the subjects that fascinates me. In my ongoing project, I combine texts with images and incorporate abstract elements within figuration, seeking an unbalanced composition that still maintains harmony. Each piece begins with an opening line of text that I create, blending text and art.

1.  How does your love for exploration and learning shape your approach to design?

Exploring and learning new knowledge enables me to see a subject differently. This new way of seeing motivates me to merge it with what I already know if it feels true, which results in either a creative blend or a remodeling of an established structure.

Painting is my primary medium; I explore the body and mind within figuration.

Hwa Seo

2.  Your work blends process-driven design with collage-like aesthetics—what draws you to this style?

Representing the processes of literary and artistic practice has been a challenge I have sought to address. Exploring the historical context of my subject—the relationship between text and art from ancient civilizations to the present—has helped me tackle this issue. The close connection between writing and creating art is likely due to their shared cognitive roots, evolving together since ancient times. However, their relationship became more distant during the Renaissance and beyond, as reason precedes emotion in philosophy. Despite that, they were regarded as sister arts, with ekphrastic writing remaining part of art practice. My collage-like images are not a new invention but rather an ongoing adaptation relevant to this time.

3.  As Design Director of C Magazine, how do you balance artistic freedom with editorial structure?  

I believe any freedom is deeply related to the social structure in which we reside. In the same way, artistic design should ideally align with the magazine’s overall aesthetics. But when that alignment isn’t possible, I might explore unconventional typography by seeking creativity while still maintaining the magazine’s visual identity.

4.   How do nature and your backyard garden influence your creative process? 

Understanding nature allows us to see the underlying patterns of our world. Shifting sunlight and ever-changing light help us comprehend how impressionists perceived their subjects and developed their unique palettes. Similarly, natural elements like clouds, waves, and wind inspire abstract images.

Understanding nature allows us to see the underlying patterns of our world.

Hwa Seo

5.  What excites you most about interactive digital experiences in contemporary design?    

What excites me most about interactive digital experiences is the opportunity to share with other users who reside in geographically remote areas from where I am. Unlike those in the same cultural background, people we meet on a digital platform allow us to see and think about things through different lenses by raising unexpected and interesting points.

6. What would it be if you could design anything without constraints?  

If I could design anything without constraints, I would create customized desks. Many of us spend hours at a desk reading, studying, drawing, and writing. I see a desk as more than just furniture—it’s a companion in daily life. While desks are often considered rectangular objects, I would reimagine them with unique shapes, colors, and personal details, much like painting a portrait. Just as facial features vary infinitely, each desk would be designed to reflect the individuality of its owner.

Hwa Seo’s art is a beautiful mix of storytelling, design, and emotion. She finds inspiration in books, history, and the natural world, always looking for new ways to combine words and images. Whether she’s painting, designing, or exploring new ideas, her work is about more than just what we see—it’s about what we feel and understand. Her perspective reminds us that art is not just about making something look good; it’s about making connections and telling meaningful stories. To learn more about Hwa, click the following links to visit her profile.

Arts to Hearts Project is a global media, publishing, and education company for
Artists & Creatives. where an international audience will see your work of art patrons, collectors, gallerists, and fellow artists. Access exclusive publishing opportunities and over 1,000 resources to grow your career and connect with like-minded creatives worldwide. Click here to learn about our open calls.