Thomas Halbur is a Korean-American artist and the artist behind touchofseoul, based in Omaha, Nebraska. Born in Masan, South Korea and adopted at three months old, Halbur’s life has been shaped by a journey of identity, belonging, and restoration. Through art, God has graciously allowed him to reconnect with the heritage of his birth while continually revealing that his truest identity is found in Jesus Christ.

Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Halbur discovered his passion for art at George Catlin Arts Magnet, where he was introduced to various artistic mediums, cultural traditions, and creative disciplines. Although he grew up with limited exposure to his Korean heritage, those early experiences cultivated a curiosity about identity and storytelling that continues to influence his artistic practice today.

For much of his life, Halbur wrestled with questions surrounding adoption, cultural connection, and belonging. In 2025, he experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ, transforming the way he understood his story, his purpose, and his creative gifts. Through faith in Christ, he came to understand that identity is not something earned or discovered through achievement, but something received through the grace of God. His artwork now flows from that foundation of gratitude, seeking to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to him.

Halbur’s work brings together the traditional Korean visual language of Dancheong and Minhwa with the expressive movement of early American animation, particularly the rubber hose style of the 1930s, and the bold colors and imaginative energy of 1960s psychedelic art. Through this fusion of Eastern and Western influences, he creates a visual language that honors Korean heritage while exploring themes of restoration, grace, identity, and belonging.

Working primarily with acrylic markers on wooden panels, Halbur begins each piece digitally before translating his sketches into detailed hand-painted works. His process combines precision, patience, and playfulness, allowing layers of color and line to build a visual narrative. Each artwork is guided by Scripture and written reflection, inviting viewers to consider Korean cultural imagery through the lens of the Gospel.

Through touchofseoul, Halbur creates original artwork, fine art prints, apparel, and creative goods that celebrate Korean heritage while pointing beyond the artwork itself to the hope found in Jesus Christ. His practice is rooted in the belief that creativity is not simply a personal expression, but a gift from God meant to be faithfully stewarded.

His work has been exhibited throughout Omaha and nationally through galleries, collaborations, workshops, and community events. Whether creating in the studio or sharing his work with others, Halbur seeks to honor the heritage God has allowed him to reclaim, faithfully steward the gifts he has been given, and trust the Lord with the fruit of every creation.