Dubong Kim

Metalworker

©DubongKim

Where the essence of beauty lies

Dubong is a forging metal craftsman
He creates modern artworks using traditional techniques
His works aim to capture the beauty of nature

Dubong Kim has loved crafting since a young age. He pursued metalworking in university to craft his own pieces. In his exchange student semester in the USA, he travelled across the country by car and immersed himself in the diverse facets of nature. It was an experience that profoundly impacted his life. One particular moment was when he ascended a massive sand dune in Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park and witnessed the sunset while buffeted by the wind for hours. "I felt my heart filled up," he recalls. Contemplating how to preserve the deep emotions evoked by nature, Dubong resolved to immortalise them in his artwork. Thus, he embarked on crafting his first series, Natural Flow, wherein silver, heated to brilliance, reflects vibrant hues, capturing the serene and graceful beauty of nature.

Interview

©DubongKim

©DubongKim

What plays the most significant role in your work?: I use hammering techniques to shape my work. On average, a single metalwork piece requires between 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 hammer strikes. This meticulous hammering process is fundamental to crafting the subtle and unique textures, resulting in works of exceptional density. I consider this accumulation of time as the essence of the distinctive beauty within my creations.
What mindset drives you through such lengthy endeavours?: As I sit before the anvil, tirelessly striking thousands upon thousands of times, distractions dissolve, and my entire focus converges on crafting the work before me. This immersive act of creation mirrors a form of meditation. Through the repetitive rhythm of hammering, I find myself liberated from the burdens of everyday worries and strife.
What message do you aim to encapsulate in your work?: I believe nature can dispel life's negative aspects and bring about a profound sense of tranquility. When I am out in nature, it feels as though nature itself reaches out and touches my soul, dispelling negativity, loneliness, and emptiness. Through the medium of pure silver, I strive to capture the serene and tranquil beauty of nature.
What aspects of your work resonate most with viewers?: One particular technique that garners appreciation from both officials and visitors alike is the use of a potassium sulfide solution for patina. This technique, widely employed in metal crafts, offers a versatile canvas for expression, with outcomes varying based on temperature and time control. The result never fails to captivate viewers.

Dubong Kim is a rising star he began his career in 2019