Describe what you do in a single sentence.
As a craftsman and an artist my goal is to find the balance between the two while at work.
When did you first fall in love with art?
When I started pottery 19 years ago I didn’t particularly enjoy it. However, I was able to persist in crafting pottery and now I enjoy it very much.
Where did you study ceramics?
Icheon, Gyeonggi-do is the centre of pottery in Korea, where I started and became interested in ceramics. Kookmin University in Seoul is where I studied ceramics and eventually gained my masters in the artform. There I was surrounded by many young and talented artists and my dream to become a ceramicist was fulfilled.
What does a typical day in the studio involve?
When I arrive at the studio I first check the dryness of the ceramics I made the day before. I am trying to proceed with the work according to my plan as much as possible, but due to the nature of ceramics, the drying speed varies depending on the weather and environment, so it is very flexible. When I have to wait more than two hours for sections to dry, I go surfing or ride my bike, and I think a lot about creativity. When I work, I can’t think of creative ideas because I focus so intently on my work. Every time when I stop working, I have a creative idea come out.
What is your subject matter?
In my work, I start with the beauty created by Korean artists in the past. In pottery, I focus on the inlay techniques of celadon porcelain, the decorative techniques of Bhuncheong porcelain, and the shapes of the white porcelain. I want to express the beauty from the curves and decorative techniques found in hanok (traditional Korean houses) and other types of artisan tools and objects from history. I would like to introduce to my audience traditional Korean beauty.
What materials do you use and why?
There are numerous materials I use, but I believe clay is one of the most unique. The fire transforms clay into something new, making it both beautiful and powerful. Similarly to the way a metalworker beats iron, clay perseveres in the hot fire, transforming into something strong. Its beauty and strength I find attractive.
What have you been working on recently?
Two solo shows, one at Fineworks Paddington from 24 June to 2 July and the other at Finly Company, Sydney from 9 to 19 June. I also have a lot of orders from restaurants and cafes to produce custom ceramics.
Pick three art world players you would invite to dinner.
Kim Joonyoung, Koo Bohnchang and Moon Byungsik.
What is your dream artistic project?
Send a Moon Jar to the Moon.