Story behind the art of Hyunjin Cho

28th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art & Garden Center

Endangered Flowers of Jeju Island

Phalaenopsis japonica, Cymbidium kanran, Euchresta japonica, Cymbidium lancifolium, Vanda falcata, Diapensia obovata, Quercus gilva, Saururus chinensis, Pelatantheria scolopendrifolia, Brasenia schreberi, Sarcandra glabra, Asplenium antiquum, Hibiscus hamabo, Utricularia uliginosa, Cyrtosia septentrionalis, Lasianthus japonicus, Gastrochilus japonicus, Dendrobium moniliforme, Bulbophyllum drymoglossum, Oberonia japonica, Pogostemon yatabeanus, Gastrochilus pseudodistichus, Leontopodium hallaisanense, Mankyua chejuensis, Cymbidium macrorhizon, Psilotum nudum, Magnolia compressa, Pedicularis verticillata subsp. verticillata, Thrixspermum japonicum, Orobanche pycnostachya var. amurensis, Odontochilus nakaianus

This artwork depicts endangered wildflowers native to Jeju Island, a beautiful volcanic island off the southern coast of Korea. I began with a desire to capture the delicate vitality of nature—and more specifically, to document and raise awareness of the plants that are slowly disappearing.

Jeju is ecologically significant and is home to a rich diversity of endemic plant species thanks to its unique landscape, location, and climate. But as development and environmental changes continue, many of these plants face the threat of extinction. These flowers are more than just part of the scenery—they carry deep ecological, cultural, and historical meaning for the people of Jeju and for the island’s broader ecosystem.

I created this artwork using colored pencils. I like their soft, transparent textures that allow for subtle, layered expression. I tried to capture each flower’s form and spirit with care—from the curve of a stem to the texture of a petal or the finest hair on a leaf—always highlighting the quiet, intricate beauty of life. I tried to ensure that each plant could stand out as the main character in its own story.

Through this work, I hope viewers discover something new—perhaps a flower they’ve never seen before—and come to care more deeply about these vulnerable species. My hope is that their beauty becomes a reason to protect them.

This work is part of my broader focus on nature—not just as something to observe, but as something we must choose to protect. I hope this drawing offers both a moment of reflection and a gentle call to remember what we still have—and what we stand to lose.

Stippled Agave

Agave shawii subsp. Shawii

Shaw's Agave is a plant known for its sculptural form and quiet strength. Its bold, symmetrical rosette and the sharp rhythm of its leaves attracted me. I see a sense of order and resilience in the way it grows. It represents toughness and calm, and I wanted to capture both characteristics.

I portrayed this agave with pen using a stippling technique—building light, shadow, and texture through thousands of tiny dots. It’s a slow, meditative process that requires focus and patience. With each dot, I tried to express the thickness of the leaves, the subtle curves, and the surface textures that make this plant so visually compelling.

I worked in black and white to emphasize form and detail, rather than color. Without hues to distract, the structure is more pronounced. The agave stands as a solid and balanced protagonist. By controlling the density and spacing of the dots, I shaped light and shadow, capturing the sharpness and elegance of each leaf.

This piece continues my broader exploration of natural forms and patterns. I love the serene beauty of plants like this one—not just for how they look, but for how they make us feel when we really stop and notice them. I hope this drawing invites viewers into that same moment of stillness and appreciation.

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Read more about this artist's work: BAWW 2025