Freelance Writers in LongmontFreelance Writers in Longmont
Story-driven illustrator creating worlds for books & brands.
New to Contra
Story-driven illustrator creating worlds for books & brands.
Cover image for Lala All the Way
I made
Lala All the Way I made this staircase about ten years ago. To be honest, I still don’t think of it as art. At the time, we simply did not have the money to replace everything that was old, worn out, or falling apart. So I did what I always did. I fixed it myself. And I loved it. I loved looking at something tired and forgotten and imagining what it could become. Back then, I did a lot of projects around the house. I painted things. I repaired things. I covered things with paper and glue. I transformed old cabinets, mirrors, tables, chairs, and whatever else I could get my hands on. Looking back now, I realize that my Craft Design background never really left me. It just found a different place to live. Instead of galleries, it lived in staircases. Instead of canvases, it lived in old furniture. Instead of expensive materials, it lived in leftover paint, scraps of paper, and things that other people might have thrown away. I have always loved upcycling. I love giving something a second chance. I love finding beauty where nobody is looking. I have lived in this house for almost thirty years, and I will be leaving it soon. Not every memory here is a good one. But when I look at this staircase, I remember the version of myself who was excited to make something with her own hands. The version of myself who could spend hours with paper, glue, paint, and a new idea. That is the memory I want to keep. And I have a feeling I am not done yet. Who knows how many old chairs, forgotten tables, worn-out cabinets, and strange little treasures I will rescue in the future? I am actually excited about it. I will keep sharing them here. Because that is what LALATOWN is. LALATOWN is not about pretending everything is perfect. It is about finding something worth keeping, even when life gets messy. And somehow turning it into a story. Welcome to the neighborhood. — Hyungjoo Kim Caretaker of LALATOWN Studio
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Cover image for Lucky Days and Little Signs
A
Lucky Days and Little Signs A LALATOWN Auspicious Calendar I created this calendar last summer and, to be honest, I never really shared the story behind it. Some people may see it as superstition. Some may see it as tradition. Others may see it as a form of spiritual belief. For me, it is simply a small piece of the world I grew up in. I was born and raised in Korea in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Back then, paying attention to auspicious days was completely ordinary. People checked calendars before moving, getting married, signing important contracts, starting a business, or taking a long journey. While modern life has changed many traditions, some traces still remain. Even today, moving companies often charge more on popular auspicious days, and many people still consult traditional calendars or fortune tellers before major life events. This calendar is not meant to tell anyone what to believe. It is simply a glimpse into an old Korean custom that has stayed with me throughout my life. In this calendar, the green dots mark auspicious days. These are considered favorable days for important beginnings, travel, celebrations, agreements, and new ventures. The red letters indicate a direction to be mindful of on that particular day. Traditionally, people would avoid disturbing the land, digging, nailing, major construction, or beginning significant activities in those directions. Some people interpret this spiritually. Others see it as folklore. I see it as a form of ancestral wisdom and a reminder to move through life with a little more awareness. Over the years, I have occasionally adjusted travel dates or postponed certain plans simply because it gave me peace of mind. Whether or not you believe in it is entirely up to you. I simply wanted to share a small piece of the culture and traditions that shaped me. I will be sharing the July calendar soon, along with a few family stories connected to these old customs and beliefs. Thank you for being a little superstitious with me today.
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Stay calm but stay sharp.
Stay calm but stay sharp.
Embedded Systems Developer
Embedded Systems Developer
Pioneering AI/Data/Software engineering lead— Builder/solver
Pioneering AI/Data/Software engineering lead— Builder/solver