- Art & Design
New Zealand design studio Walk In The Park is dedicated to creating handmade wooden commercial and art objects. Each work pays homage to the variations of wood available in New Zealand and unites, on the one hand, classic and contemporary forms and, on the other, sculptural and practical forms.
How and when did the studio start?
‘I don't know exactly when Walk In The Park started. Both Jiho, my wife, and I love to create something by hand. We have done numerous small projects purely for our own pleasure. Although my woodturning is no longer a small and temporary project, we didn't take it seriously at first. The name Walk In The Park refers back to that. It's a reminder to ourselves to take it easy and purely enjoy when we create things.’ 
How do you describe your design philosophy and design style?
‘Design in moderation. There is an old Korean term that explains the core aesthetic of Korean objects: 'Gumleebullu Hwaleebulchi' (검이불루 화이불치), which means 'simple but not shabby, and beautiful but not extravagant'. This term always leads me to find the best middle point, which is not too much in details and shapes. I like to try out many different styles and I am always interested in trying out new ways of creating. Also, I get bored making the same things over and over again, so developing my aesthetic keeps me going and ensures that I feel challenged.’ 
What do you still hope to achieve in your career?
'I feel like there is still a lot to achieve, more exhibitions and a lot of experimentation. I try not to be too ambitious though, because I know opportunities come when I least expect them.’
Want to know more about Walk In The Park? Read the full interview in Imagicasa Autumn 2021.
Images courtesy of Walk In The Park
Photography by Jiho Yun