Meet MJ Lee: The Creative Mind Behind Ohana Sunshine Sock Collab

by ChuYung LinNov 01, 2024

Meet MJ Lee, an artist whose work channels deep emotions, personal experiences, and a love for the natural world into stunning, expressive art. MJ's journey began with a desire to communicate beyond words, using colors, shapes, and designs to connect with others in meaningful ways. Inspired by nature, her mental health journey, and the people she meets, MJ's art reflects both the highs and lows of life. This creativity, combined with her dedication to positive impact, makes her an ideal partner for Ohana Sunshine's latest collaboration. With a shared focus on mental health and uplifting others, MJ's designs for our sock collection bring warmth, personality, and healing energy—infusing a little extra sunshine into each pair.

In this interview, MJ shares her artistic process, her excitement about collaborating with Ohana Sunshine, and the deeper sense of purpose that drives her creativity. Let’s dive into her journey and discover the inspiring force behind this collaboration!

What sparked your interest in creating art?

My interest in creating art was sparked by a desire to express myself in ways that words couldn’t capture. Early on, I found that art allowed me to communicate my emotions, experiences, and thoughts in a visual and tangible way. The process of turning feelings into colors, shapes, and designs became not only therapeutic but also a powerful form of connection with others. Over time, it became clear that art was the perfect outlet for my creativity and self-expression.

Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

Spending time in nature, whether it’s a walk in the park or a trip to the mountain, often sparks new ideas. The colors, patterns, and tranquility of the outdoors fuel my creativity. At the same time, my own personal journey—filled with both highs and lows—serves as a big source of inspiration. I channel my emotions and mental health experiences into my art, hoping to create something that others can connect with on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

Meeting new people is one of the biggest ways I get into a creative mindset. Every interaction brings fresh perspectives, stories, and energy that spark my imagination. I find that hearing about other people’s experiences or passions often leads me to new ideas and creative approaches I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. It’s like each conversation adds a new layer to my creative process!

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Madeleine Kemsley! She’s an illustrator and sustainable textile artist known for her stunning hand embroidery. Her work is not only elegant but also incredibly fun and creative, with each piece showcasing its own unique personality. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at embroidery, so combining my illustrations with her embroidery skills would be a dream come true!

What excited you the most about collaborating with Ohana Sunshine socks?

I have a drawer full of socks, and they’re my way of expressing both my personality and my mood for the day! Socks play a big role in my daily outfits. As a huge fan of Ohana Sunshine, getting the chance to collaborate with them already has me beyond excited. What makes it even more meaningful is that this collaboration focuses on the long-term psychological impacts of COVID-19. I’ve struggled with mental health issues for years, so I fully understand how challenging it can be. My hope is that my artwork brings warmth and positive energy to others.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to heal others. Easing someone's physical pain or healing their emotional wounds would bring immense relief, comfort, and gratitude. I could help people recover from illness, trauma, and mental anguish that might otherwise last a lifetime.