Like every new semester, Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) is a hub of activity with an array of art and craft courses in progress

(TRAVPR.COM) FLORIDA - October 8th, 2013 - Like every new semester, Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) is a hub of activity with an array of art and craft courses in progress. However, what's attracting the attention of art lovers is a new course 'Mulberry Art' by Timi Kim that is being offered for the first time at DIAC.

Timi, who is an acclaimed international artist with multiple talents aside from being a professional architect, said: “Han-Ji is a traditional Korean paper craft that has been used for centuries to make household items in Korea and I am truly proud to introduce it at DIAC. It is a great opportunity for people to learn this ancient craft in Dubai.”

Han-Ji literally means the paper of Korea that's handmade from fibrous skin of mulberry and is glued to objects made from cardboard - hence the name 'Mulberry Art'. Timi stressed, “Han-ji is known to be the most durable and versatile form of paper and is often used to dress up doors, windows and furniture in Korea giving a beautiful effect as well as superb ventilation and insulation”.

Shaikha Al Ghurair who is a regular member of DIAC was quick to join The Beginner's Professional Classes for Mulberry Art (a 5-week course) and seemed totally engrossed during the first session. To start with she is learning to make a box. So what made her join the course?

Shaikha said, "We saw some of Timi's work on display at DIAC some time back and were intrigued to see how it is done. The first thing you learn is how to make the structure for the box. I am really enjoying it but it needs a lot of patience. The finishing of the box can take a lot of time and it is up to you how you dress it up. It can be very simple or extremely intricate. You can also incorporate different material such as silk, other kinds of paper, etc."

Another keen student, Thangam Shivdas, looked equally excited about the workshop. She said, “It is really interesting and I am truly enjoying my work. The joy of making your own jewellery box is far more than what you can buy off the rack in the market. I just can't wait to finish my first box and start on other items”.

To register please call DIAC office on 04-3444 398or email at: artdubai@eim.ae

For more information about the centre Visit www.artdubai.com

Office timings: Saturday-Wednesday 9am-5pm

Thursday 9am-4pm; Friday closed

Gallery timings: Saturday-Wednesday 9am-8pm

Thursday 9am-4pm; Friday Closed

Location: The Dubai International Art Centre is located in Villa 27, Street 75B, off Jumeirah Road, behind Town Center.

About Dubai International Art Centre

Few centres are associated with art as the DIAC. The emphasis is on small-group teaching and the centre prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and excellence. Here art immerses the students in learning. From the very beginning the space has been open to all – artists, students and public. Learning is a very sociable affair at DIAC that people with a creative bent truly enjoy with a group of like-minded persons. Its studios are unlike any classroom where one can feedone’s artistic spirit while expressing one’s creativity.

About Timi Kim

A Korean by birth Timi Kim is an Italian Citizen now based in Dubai. She studied architecture at the University of Korea before moving to Italy for her Masters degree in Architecture about 30 years back. Being in the center of the world's fashion capital, it was only a matter of time before Timi was drawn to this fascinating industry. 

A change meeting with Italian fashion designer 'Luigi Ciocca' on a train took her to the world of glitz and glamour. Luigi invited her to his studio in Monte napoleone in Milan. Here she saw the most brilliant designers at work producing the best of street fashion. Timi asked Luigi if he could allow her to work in his studio and learn his craft. At the time she knew nothing about fashion but this did not stop her from entering this amazing field. She worked day and night and even attended a fashion school to improve her skills.

What began as a simple fascination turned out to be her profession. Timi worked with Luigi for the next 10 years - assisting him with top Italian brands such as Benetton, Missoni Kid, Les Copain, Levis Italy, Sisly, etc as well as other leading fashion names from all over the world. She learnt a lot under Luigi gaining superb experience that led her to one of the world’s most famous fashion house Giogio Kauten. There she worked as a top designer for the next five years.

It was hugely satisfying but very taxing. Timi had to travel extensively and often stay away from home and family for months and months. It was really tough. Four years ago she had terrible news from her father who was suffering from cancer and had only 6 months to live. She decided to go back to Korea to stay close to him. 

After a few months she happened to read an interview of a famous traditional Korean artist in a local newspaper. It fired her curiosity as an artist and so she embarked on another art adventure. For three years she travelled between Italy and Korea to learn the techniques for building and shaping structures and then decorating. Given her background and, skills and experience in architecture and fashion design, it all came naturally to her. Soon Timi was making beautiful objects and furniture from cardboard using traditional Korean craft of Han-Ji. Shortly she set up a little studio of her own in Milan and began teaching students in Italy.

In January this year, her husband was transferred to Dubai by his company and Timi followed him to this city of wonders. And here she is trying her hand at yet another challenge in a new world – teaching Han-Ji at the Dubai International Art Centre.

For media contact:

Hina Bakht
Vice President
MPJ (Marketing Pro-Junction)
Mob: +971 50 6975146
Email: h.bakht@mpj-pr.com

http://www.mpj-pr.com

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