One might not see much of a connection between being a doctor and being an artist.
But one might not have met Andrew Ko.
Ko is one of 140 artists presenting their works at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach through Aug. 31, so you’re more likely to see him with a camera in his hand than a stethoscope around his neck.
But Ko is both physician and artist, a photographer with a unique perspective. He came to the United States from South Korea at the age of 15 and eventually went to medical school.
Photography, however, had already become a pursuit of his.
“I have been pursuing photography since my college years before going to medical school,” Ko said. “I was living in a dormitory that had a photography darkroom during my sophomore year. I also took courses in the history of modern art as well as drawing for a year as a pre-med student, where I studied the masters of modern art. This interest in art has stayed with me ever since.”
Ko, who lives in Coto de Caza, sees a connection between his two professions, which seems to make him both a better doctor, and a better artist. He believes both can provide a sense of peace, comfort and harmony.
Ko, who graduated from Rosalind Franklin University Medical School in Chicago, is a gastroenterologist practicing in Fountain Valley.
He believes his photography can positively affect the emotions of those who view his images. And as an artist, he finds satisfaction in knowing that perhaps even one of his works might produce a sense of calm and order in a world of chaos.
“I strive to balance the unbalanced mind, providing a sense of peace through the virtue of photography, and imparting human emotion through the simple power of composition, lighting and timing,” he said.
Ko’s images may not always include people, but they are never too far away from civilization. Most of his landscape photography contains some aspect of human activities in them, as he sees such human activities as central in providing meaning to one’s environment.
“Most of my photographic images are taken while traveling within the U.S. or abroad,” he said. “However, my intention is not necessarily to represent particular locations. I try to obtain raw images with the desired atmosphere and correct lighting regardless of location.”
Ko also believes his photography is helping him place his stamp on history, and in particular, providing reference for his family.
“I am particularly fond of the idea that I am finally transferring electronic pixels to palpable objects that I can leave behind for my three lovely daughters,” Ko said. “These would be my simple gifts to them. If I could share the same with the rest of world, I would be that much better for it. I am also utterly indebted to my wife, who always travels with me and points her finger where to shoot.”
Ko has received numerous awards for his photography, including: First place in the Architecture and Bridges category and third place in the Advertising Travel/Tourism category at the Moscow International Foto Awards (MIFA).
He received numerous honorable mentions at the MIFA, the International Photography Awards, and the Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3). His work was exhibited at the MIFA Winners Exhibition in Moscow, Russia, and his works are currently being exhibited at the Forest and Ocean Gallery in Laguna Beach.
GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Recently voted one of the top five art festivals in the nation by USA Today readers, the Festival of Arts is one of the most highly acclaimed juried fine art shows featuring the artwork of 140 award-winning artists. Patrons may enjoy the work of exhibiting artists, demonstrations and art workshops, daily art tours, live music, special events, on-site restaurants and much more. For a full listing of events, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
DATES & TIMES
July 5 – August 31, 2016
Open daily from 10am – 11:30pm
Early closing August 27 at 1:30pm
TICKET INFORMATION
General Admission: Weekdays $8, Weekends $12
Students & Seniors: Weekdays $5, Weekends $8
Free Admission for Children 12 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.
Passport to the Arts:
A special promotion (funded in part by Bank of America): Passport to the Arts for only $24. Includes unlimited admission all summer long to the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair. Enjoy works of art by more than 500 artists, 300 hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, plus a one time, all-day free parking pass with each Passport purchased. Order online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com. Passports also available for purchase on-site at each festival location during the summer. Offer excludes Pageant of the Masters. Valid June 24 – August 31, 2016.
SPONSORS
The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by
Southern California Acura Dealers, Fidelity Investments, KOST Radio 103.5,
Orange County Register and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
LOCATION
Festival of Arts Grounds
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS
