ABOUT
CHANMI'S ART JOURNEY
ChanMi Jung Pyles is a contemporary abstract artist, writer, and speaker whose work creates quiet, restorative spaces for reflection, beauty, and hope. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, her attentiveness to beauty and meaning was shaped early through poetry, music, and visual art. She spent formative years learning alongside her grandfather, a traditional Korean calligraphy artist, and a gifted oil painter who lived with disability. In those studios, ChanMi first encountered art as a place of calm, presence, and deep joy—an experience that continues to shape her work today.
Although creativity marked her early life, it was in her thirties—after becoming a mother—that her artistic voice fully emerged. Returning to the studio became a form of renewal: a re-centering of the heart, a quiet listening, and a rediscovery of freedom. Painting became not only an act of creation, but an act of trust. Through layered marks, texture, and color, ChanMi began creating work rooted in faith—art that does not explain, but invites; that does not rush, but rests.
Her abstract paintings are created as visual prayers—spaces where imperfection is welcomed, mystery is honored, and beauty unfolds over time. Rather than offering fixed narratives, her work leaves room for the viewer’s own story, inviting slow looking and personal reflection. Themes of God’s nearness, renewal, rest, and steadfast love quietly surface through vibrant yet gentle abstraction.
Since 2021, ChanMi has released several original collections, including Imperfect Splendor, Heart Garden, Water of Life, Great Delight, What a Friend, The Glorious Light, Sure Promise, and The Unseen, Unceasing, and Faithful. Her work has been exhibited internationally and throughout the United States, including in Italy, Tokyo, New York City, California, and Pennsylvania. She presented a virtual solo exhibition with U1 Gallery (based in Tokyo and Seoul), accompanied by artist interviews published in Korean, English, and Japanese.
Her work has also been exhibited in public and institutional spaces, including the office of Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti and installations at Good Samaritan Hospital in New York. Her poetry and visual art have been published in print and digital publications, including Truly and The Khora Collective. She has collaborated with ministries such as The Well NYC, Velvet Ashes, and Manoa Community Church.
ChanMi holds a B.A. in English and Spanish Language and Literature from Korea University and an M.S.Ed. in Intercultural Communication from the University of Pennsylvania. Her background in language, literature, and intercultural studies deeply informs her practice, allowing her to create work that speaks across cultures and invites a global audience into shared reflection and hope.
She lives and works just outside Philadelphia with her husband, Brian, and their children, Chaya and Elisha. On any given day, she can be found taking long nature walks, writing poetry, savoring a good cup of coffee, and creating with curiosity, prayer, and joy in her home studio.
TESTIMONIALS
"ChanMi has a true gift and talent. Her work is not only beautiful but she has a remarkable gift to evoke such emotion and feeling with her art.
You can feel her passion and the faith journey behind each unique piece is awe inspiring. I've had the privilege of purchasing both unique pieces and commissioned work and ChanMi has truly captured exactly what I had in mind and I'm transported each time I see these pieces. Thank you ChanMi for sharing your work and your journey with the world"
CHRISTINE S., PENNSYLVANIA
“ChanMi’s art is more than just conversational; it’s tangible and Holy spirit-led. You can feel her passion and love for Jesus in each piece.”
MANNY BENTON, OWNER OF HARBENS STUDIO
"ChanMi’s artwork, and the stories behind each piece, are beautiful reminders to be present and reflective. Following her art journey is an invitation for us to respond by asking where God may be leading us…"
JUDY, DREXEL HILL
"Some people use art to tell a story of brokenness,
some get healed from that story telling process.
ChanMi’s art captures a glimpse of what God speaks through her, from every stroke to blending every shade of colors. It leaves you wondering for more, yet satisfied and grateful for what God would speak next."
KILLIAN, PHILADELPHIA
"Beautifully pleasing to the eye and uplifting to the heart and soul. I feel encouraged every time I look at your paintings on my walls."
TAMMY, VIRGINIA
“ChanMi’s art pieces are so beautiful and original and are a perfect addition to any space! She’s very responsive and happy to customize, which makes for the perfect piece! Would highly recommend for any art need!”
EMILY, SEATTLE
"Fascinated by the limitless curiosity and exploration involved in space travel, we envisioned a painting that would capture those elements in an elegant and awe-struck manner. We commissioned the painting with Chanmi and saw our vision come to life in a piece that left us in awe and wonder of God. The space mountains, the stars, the planet, and space itself have come to life for our present and future generations."
SERGIO AND ANDREA, NEW YORK
"I am constantly refreshed and reminded by ChanMi’s Art journey that His beauty is all around us. Her art reflects life; life reflects beauty; beauty reflects Christ in all His creation. Thank you for encouraging all of us with your gift."
DEBORAH, SEATTLE
"ChanMi’s art is beautiful and I have loved all the pieces I have bought for my friends as gifts and for my own home. The work is not only gorgeous but often includes scripture or other words of encouragement that make for a great gift. She is also wonderful to work with-prompt, thoughtful and detail oriented. It is always a pleasure to work with her when I have purchased art from her!"
AMANDA, WASHINGTON D.C.
“Chanmis’s creative work is not only beautiful, but thoughtful. The heart behind her artwork makes it even more special.”
SARABETH, CALIFORNIA
"ChanMi's artistic gift is nothing short of extraordinary– it's God-given, encouraging, and powerful. Her passion for art and for using it to lift up others is something special, and I'm honored to have a few of her incredible pieces hanging up in my office!"
ALISA WISMER, ILLUSTRATOR FROM PERKASIE
"Chanmi crafts her art pieces with much love and care, and they all convey a powerful message of God’s love and hope that is so uplifting and encouraging. I especially enjoy gifting Chanmi’s art to those I love as they are also packaged so thoughtfully and beautifully! "
JENNIFER, FORT WASHINGTON
"In Chanmi's art, I sense a reverance for the Creator and the creative process. Whether through imagery of nature or abstract pieces, I appreciate how her work embraces the beauty of imperfection and captures a tender vulnerability, profound hope, and quiet wonder. Chanmi's art is not only gorgeous but embodies her faith journey, which makes it that much more meaningful."
Elli, PHILADELPHIA