Painting Mon & Pop Stores

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Small mom and pop stores used to be found in every neighborhood in the old days. Now they are disappearing. One artist has made it her mission to capture their memory in paintings.

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A small store is surrounded by magnolia flowers in full bloom. These mom and pop stores used to sell everything from crackers to other food items. The pen strokes of an artist bring to life the fond memories associated with these corner stores from back in the day. It's been 20 years since the artist began to roam across the country in search of old-style convenience stores to paint on canvas.

[Soundbite] Lee Me Kyeoung (Pen Sketch Artist) : "I used to pass by a store holding my child's hand. At one moment, I suddently found it exquisitely beautiful."

She has drawn some 200 stores over the years. She shared greetings with the store owners and also took pictures of the shops to keep record. The artist habitually heads to the charming corner shops, many of which are now disappearing. The BBC has also highlighted her works saying "they provide a soothing contrast to Korea's busy urban streets."

[Soundbite] Lee Me Kyeoung (Pen Sketch Artist) : "They are disappearing, but I wanted to at least preserve them in my drawings."

Through her ink sketches showcasing delicate lines, the artist spreads the warmth of the ever disappearing neighborhood establishments.