Issue 52: Living through Food, Art and Sharing, with Christine Soojung Jee
Creating and sharing for myself, and for others.
Happy Tuesday, KP!
I am excited for you to meet Christine Soojung Jee, a multi-talented art educator whose passion seamlessly blends food and art. I first met Christine in 2021 when she organized a Children's Day (celebrated on May 5th in South Korea) giveaway event with fellow Asian women creators and small business owners.
Through her creative venture, Dumpling Mart, Christine crafted the most charming handmade food items — who could resist her felt mandu in a steamer or bae ornaments? Having always included food in the books I make, Christine's handmade kimbap and perfect dduk and mandu sets became essential props for my children's book events. Kids (and adults) love touching and examining these pieces, creating memorable moments that always remind me of Christine's artistry.
While Christine no longer actively runs Dumpling Mart, her passion for food, art, and community continues to infuse her daily life as an art educator, parent, friend, and neighbor. I’m excited to see what creative endeavors she pursues next, and I'm thrilled for you to meet her. Please welcome Christine!
KP Q&A with Christine Soojung Jee
Christine Soojung Jee is a creative second generation Komerican, lover of food, mom of a tween daughter, and arts educator. She has been teaching for 20 years after studying Elementary Education at Boston University and Arts in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is currently the Manager of School and Community Collaborations at the Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy and was awarded the “2019 Museum Art Educator of the Year” by the Massachusetts Arts Educator Association.
Christine ran Dumpling Mart (dumpling.mart on Instagram) for 5 years, which focused on sharing her love of Korean food and culture through her hand-sewn felt dumplings and designs. Her products increased Asian representation through play for kids of all ages and was carried by stores such as Mochi Kids and Merci Milo.
Introduce yourself more personally in 2-3 sentences.
I teach at an art museum and believe in the power of curiosity, critical thinking, reflection, and recognizing your capability through interdisciplinary arts and identity-based learning. I’ve been an unapologetic 아줌마 (“ahjumma” / middle aged woman) for a while but now that I’m officially 40+ I’ve fully embraced this lifestyle. As I get older, I’m looking back at what I’ve been passionate about and connecting the dots to guide me.
Where are you from? No, where are you REALLY from? (Haha!)
I live in the suburbs, just north of Boston. I love that I can drive to different cities and states, the beaches, farms, and nature trails within an hour. My husband and I are high school sweethearts and met in the next town over from where we live now.
How would you describe yourself in five words? (Please choose with no timidity nor shame!)
INTJ (“a rare combination of vision + pragmatism”)
thoughtful
artistic
organized
nurturing
What do you love about being Komerican?
There isn’t one way to be Komerican. We can all redefine and shape what having this third culture means to us through our unique experiences, perspectives, and values.
And of course, what are your favorite Korean foods?
I have so so many, but I think it comes down to really good 반찬 (“banchan” / side dishes) because it can elevate any meal or it can be enjoyed with a simple bowl of 밥 (“bap” / rice). I have this idea for a 반찬 swap with friends that’s like a modified cookie swap that I hope to plan someday soon.
What was your childhood like and what has it taught you?
Growing up as part of the diaspora in a country that centers whiteness is something that I think about a lot. What is considered the minority here in America is actually the global majority, and it’s a good reminder to think more broadly. It’s become much easier now, but I try to navigate past what is mainstream and prioritize diversity in my own life and in how I raise my daughter.
What do people underestimate about you?
I think it’s actually the opposite and people generally expect a lot from me, which I don’t mind because it shows that they know what I’m capable of.
Share your proudest moment in the past year.
My daughter, who was 11 at the time, and I co-planned and facilitated a workshop at her school: “From Melting Pot to Salad Bowl - A Multicultural Celebration of Food and Identities”. Participants considered their cultures and identities to create a new nontraditional dish that uniquely reflected who they are and explored what it means to be multicultural through creative writing and art making using food as metaphor. It was really meaningful to do this together and we all had such a good time.
What was your hardest moment in the past year?
We had to say goodbye to our family dog after 15 years and it was harder than I expected for all of us. Ben was a big friendly goldendoodle who was by our side through so many milestones and our house still feels so empty without him.
We’ve all been hurt in some form or fashion. What are you healing from?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have to really think about this question, but maybe it’s more of a reflection of my optimism. In thinking back to challenging times, I can’t help but think about the opportunities and learning that came from them.
Can you share something exciting that you’re working on now?
I used to have a passion project called Dumpling Mart, where I made and sold felt dumplings among other things. For me, it was the perfect avenue to combine my creative energy with the extra time that I had during the pandemic, share my love of Korean food and culture, and connect with a broader community. I developed new skills and discovered a lot about myself and it was such a valuable experience. Between my day job and things that I do to fill my time, I currently have a nice balance of staying busy and fulfilled but there’s something exciting about being open to whatever else might come my way.
How do you love yourself?
I try to live with intention as well as find joy and beauty in the little things.
How do you love others?
Acts of service, specifically though feeding people, is my love language. I really enjoy cooking for celebrations, taking the time to make a cute 도시락 (“doshirak” / lunch box), or sharing a meal with someone when they’re down.
What five things can you not live without?
Definitely my family.
My lists. I like to organize my to-dos, groceries, ideas, travel plans, you name it. I love a good google doc or post-it.
Carbs in all forms. YUM.
Having four distinct seasons, especially fall in New England.
Sunscreen.
What’s your favorite dance song?
My throwback playlists include music from my teen years with everything from S.E.S. to 1TYM and Usher which always guarantees to put me in a good mood and turn my car into an instant 노래방 (“noraebang” / karaoke).
What’s your favorite kind of pie?
My friend Gena makes the most delicious banana cream pie that has a thin layer of chocolate ganache and it’s SO good.
This Q&A was filled out online and edited for length and clarity.
Dollop of Fun: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located in Amherst, MA, is known for its rich collection and specialized exhibitions dedicated to children’s book art. I’ve been eager to visit this place. While its fantastic collection of picture book masters is impressive, what draws me even more are their art education programs. I loved reading and learning from The Whole Book Approach by Megan Dowd Lambert, who developed this interactive storytime model in association with the Eric Carle Museum. Reading about Christine’s experience as an art educator, and knowing how she’s been creating beautiful experiences for people through her art, I am even more inclined to visit this place and get inspired! If you’ve been to this place, drop a line in the comment to let us know. At the moment, they are having an exhibition Created in Color: The Picture Book Art of Raúl Colón, one of my favorite artists.
tysm for this opportunity to be among such good company among everyone else you have interviewed 🫶🏼