Ceramic artist Lee Jung-eun, an alumna who majored in ceramics from the Division of Fine Arts, showcased the manifest beauty of Korean pottery to audiences across the globe. Simple yet elegant, Lee’s artwork incorporates elements from both the past and present of Korean ceramic art. Through multiple collaborations with world- class companies such as Aesop, Sulwhasoo, and Blue Bottle Coffee, Lee has successfully displayed the sophisticated charm of Korean ceramic art.
This month, Lee’s artwork “Hwajodo” was displayed at the Beiersdorf Korea Korean wall. Inspired by Korean folk art Minhwa, “Hwajodo” features apricot flowers symbolizing fidelity, lotus flowers for longevity, and a pair of birds for the family prosperity. Altogether, the piece is a prayer for everything to turn out as hoped for.
Although Lee currently works as a successful ceramic artist, her journey of becoming a ceramicist was not easy. She admitted that she did not plan to become a ceramic artist in university. During her college years, Lee’s dream job was becoming a designer in a private company. However, after graduation, she was discouraged by the fact that it was difficult to do so with only a bachelor’s degree in ceramic arts.
As such, Lee pursued her studies in the United States to deepen her understanding in the arts discipline. However, she later faced stark reality and decided to attend the graduate school of education to become an art teacher. While attending graduate school, Lee worked at a company but fixed her mind on becoming a teacher, feeling discouraged about working in a position that she did not have a passion for.
During her time working as an art teacher in a middle school, Lee was inspired by her students, who were absorbed in making creative projects.
“I started working on my art after looking at the enthustiastic students who made me think about what I truly enjoy,” Lee said. “Although it was not what I imagined, I became a ceramic artist. After experiencing many jobs, I found out what I wanted to do and what I was good at.”
However, life after becoming a ceramicist was not easy either.
Lee explained that an artist always has ups and downs. Many artists either give up their jobs or have difficulty maintaining their passion since trends continuously change.
“Even now, I am always anxious,” Lee confessed. “Living as an artist implies a battle with oneself. Surviving this battle is the task.”
However, when a piece turns out as desired, Lee shared that her job feels rewarding. In addition, when someone tells her that the creations are comforting and touching, she thinks that she did a good job and has made someone’s day.
When collaborating with major brands, Lee explained that elbow grease is needed to bring about satisfactory outcome for both parties. It is necessary to engage at different levels such as communicating with the brand to understand what ends they have in mind. At the same time, she stressed the importance of maintaining personal artistic value.
“I value highlighting restrained, essential elements that traditional Korean culture deems fundamental,” Lee said. “Also, to convey a particular feeling to the viewer, a piece should have aesthetic aspects.”
Lee explained that there is usually a cycle in the realm of art. In a certain period, one style may be popular, but that style will soon fall out of fashion and a new style will catch on. However, she believes that traditional Korean art differs from other artwork in the sense that it is faithful to the fundamentals and is harmonious with nature and other designs.
“Our traditional art is timeless,” Lee noted. “It is not over-the-top but manages to include the essence of beauty. By incorporating traditional Korean art, I aspire to continue to make ceramic art that heals and inspires people.”