HELENA’s artistic vision begins with the materials, carefully selected from trusted suppliers and skilled artisans. These materials play an integral role in shaping the character and atmosphere of the finished work.
HANJI
Hanji is traditional Korean paper made from dak, the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. Crafted through a meticulous multi-step process using traditional methods, it is known for its durability, breathability, and versatility. Hanji has a distinct fibrous texture and ranges from tissue-thin to relatively thick. It is used for calligraphy, sumukhwa (ink wash painting), minhwa (folk painting), hanoks (traditional Korean houses), and crafts such as lanterns and boxes.
Used for centuries in writing, art, clothing, and architecture, hanji continues to inspire modern crafts and design. As a living tradition, it bridges Korea’s past and present while embodying craftsmanship, sustainability, and artistry.
As an artist, painting on hanji feels different from painting on other types of paper and requires appropriate techniques. The way pigments and mukmul spread across the surface varies according to the density of the materials and the amount of water used. Due to this inherent unpredictability, painting on hanji cannot be precisely calculated or replicated from one work to the next. This is an integral part of hanji’s unique beauty and character.
Hanji amplifies the depth and tonal variation of layered washes. Its distinctive surface makes it an ideal medium for capturing the precise texture and character of each brushstroke. Additionally, hanji enhances the vibrancy of the pigments and helps preserve their original color over time.
MUKMUL
Mukmul is traditional black ink used in Korean painting and calligraphy. Made by grinding an ink stick with water on an inkstone, it has been an essential material in East Asian art for centuries. In Korean art, it is valued not only as a medium but also as a way to express emotion, rhythm, movement, and spirit.
Artists use varying densities of mukmul, from deep black to soft gray washes, to create depth, atmosphere, and texture. Brush pressure, speed, and the balance of ink and water all shape the final expression, making each stroke personal and expressive.
Mukmul is closely associated with sumukhwa (ink wash painting) and calligraphy, where simplicity, spontaneity, and balance are central principles. It allows artists to capture the essence and energy of a subject through simple black strokes. Mukmul also pairs beautifully with a wide range of materials, from traditional Eastern materials to Western and contemporary materials.
BUNCHAE
Bunchae is a mineral pigment used in painting, especially in minhwa (folk painting) and dancheong (decorative painting on architecture). Made from finely ground natural minerals and stones, bunchae is known for its rich color, opacity, and archival quality.
Unlike ink, which emphasizes fluidity and tonal variation, bunchae produces vivid, saturated colors with a dense and luminous quality. Artists mix the powdered pigment with water and a binding medium, then apply it in layers to build depth and intensity. It is often used on hanji (traditional Korean paper) and silk.
When applied using modern techniques, bunchae creates a unique rhythm and mood.