By Honorary Reporter Oshini Jayamuni from Sri Lanka
Photos = Kim Ho-jung

Artist Kim Ho-jung uses ceramics to explore the relationship among colors, community and material investigation. 

Graduating from Hongik University and Kyunghee University in Korea and Royal College Of Art in London, she developed a material language that expresses her identity through the shapes of vessels. Exhibited in Europe and Asia, her works apply a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques and utilizing industrial methods.

Ceramic artist Kim Ho-jung

The following are excerpts from an interview with Kim. 

How did you get interested in ceramics? 

Seeing a Korean comb-patterned vessel from the Neolithic period made me feel closer to home and gave my series its material form. My ceramic practice has since been shaped by my study of natural phenomena.

"Flow Black 2020 Collection"

What inspires your works? 

I get inspired by everyday landscapes. The relationship among community, society, history and art is at the center of my works. Color and material considerations are my tools of expression.

Red VI-I, Mixed Clay (2020)

What materials do you use? 

My drawing and painting materials are the tools I use. My main material is clay and my main drawing materials are porcelain, black, red clay and buff. I get my clay from a number of places. For example, my clay painting series "Black and Red" (2021) was made by hardening soil from three countries: black clay from Japan and red clay from Korea, Japan and the U.K. 

What part of the ceramics-making process do you enjoy most? 

The most interesting part is firing, because I cannot expect the result before opening the kiln. It usually takes a month or so to finish a piece, but sometimes longer.

Kim Ho-jung's works exhibited at London Design Fair and Ambiente Talent & Trend (2020)

Kim Ho-jung's first solo exhibition "Beyond The Blue"

What is your favorite work among your collections?

I'd say the multiple color vessel in my "Flow" collection holds a special place in my heart, because I discovered my technique in making it. I later continued to apply and explore my technique in other projects. 

How do you feel about your "Flow Blue" collection earning a prize at this year's Cheongju International Craft Biennale in Korea? 

Since I was in university, I've always attended this event and wished to be part of it. And I got to work with many artists from around the world.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.