ST. JOHN'S A celebrated Korean-Canadian artist, Ginok Song, has been capturing the essence of Christmas through family photos with Santa Claus at the Avalon Mall in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, since the year 2000. Alongside her husband, Bruce Lee, who handles the photography, Song's work at the mall intertwines with her identity and artistic journey as a visual artist and painter.
Song's art often reflects her memories from Korea, exploring themes of identity, representation, and longing. She shares that her childhood was marked by darkness and loss, which fuels her desire to see joy in children’s smiles. “I’m longing for these children to smile…and when I see their smiles, I’m charged from that,” she explains, illustrating how her experiences influence both her holiday work and her artistic creations.
After moving to Newfoundland in 2000, Song established herself in Petty Harbour, a fishing community located approximately 10 kilometers south of St. John's. She describes her business, Photos Now, as a “mom-and-pop operation.” The couple secured the contract for Santa photos at the mall just a few months after their arrival, setting the stage for decades of festive imagery.
Initially, Song’s paintings in Korea reflected her anger and challenges as a woman in a patriarchal society. However, her life in Newfoundland transformed both her personal outlook and artistic expression. She has embraced her identity as a Korean woman and artist, describing her painting style as “Atlantic magic realism.” Her recent exhibit at The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial art gallery, was titled “I Reach Home, I am Serene,” featuring ethereal representations of women in dreamlike environments, merging her past experiences in Busan, Korea, with Newfoundland's landscapes.
The feeling of longing is a recurring theme in Song’s work, as it resonates with the emotions often felt during the Christmas season. Observing a mother comforting her child before sitting on Santa’s lap evokes similar sentiments of nostalgia and idealism. “Christmas comes with its own sense of nostalgic longing for ideals, such as peace or family,” she notes, connecting her artistic vision to the family moments captured at the mall.
Song brings a keen artistic eye to the Santa photo sessions, meticulously attending to every detail. She ensures that everything is perfect, from fixing a rolled pant leg to enhancing the lighting. Collaboratively, she and her husband have strategically placed every bulb in their set to achieve the best lighting possible, overcoming the challenges presented by mall lighting.
In addition to managing the photography, Lee also designed the red suit worn by Santa, with help from one of his brothers who occasionally plays the role. The suit is crafted from a sturdy fabric called molton, designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use throughout the holiday season.
To engage with the children, Song employs her creativity, singing and waving a stuffed Mickey Mouse toy to comfort crying babies during photo sessions. “I try my best,” she admits, recognizing that not every child is immediately amenable to the festive atmosphere.
In summary, Ginok Song's journey as an artist and her role in creating cherished holiday memories at the Avalon Mall intersect beautifully, reflecting her own experiences and aspirations. Through each Santa photo, she connects with families, contributing to a sense of joy and belonging during the festive season.
