Jonggu Lee

The art of waiting

• Jonggu was a photographer before he turned to woodwork
• He was taught by a Soban master and a lacquerware master
• He finds joy in repetition

Jonggu Lee was a photographer for 20 years, before turning to the path of craftsmanship. When he started working in wood, his experience in photography was useful in the process of understanding proportions. Jonggu became acquainted with Soban table making by chance, and has never looked back. "Working in direct contact with trees and wood takes away my stress," he says. In his making process, there are more than ten rounds of applying sandpaper and lacquer, to produce a final object. Using traditional techniques, Jonggu makes various types of Soban tables with his hand tools and a lacquer finish. "Throughout the process, I develop patience and experience the art of waiting," explains the artisan.

Interview

©Jonggu Lee

©Jonggu Lee

What is your educational background?

I was looking for a hobby that I could enjoy while working in photography, without tiring my body and mind. I registered for the Soban class run by the Korea Foundation for Cultural Heritage. I was taught the art by Soban master Jongseok Lee and lacquerware master Hyungman Lee.

Do you remember the moment you started making Soban?

I remember seeing on TV that the Red Lacquer 12 Angled Soban – which are Korean cultural assets – had been stolen during the Japanese colonial era. I made a three-dimensional picture by looking at the captured TV image, and went on to win a craft competition with my creation.

What joy is there in making Soban or other objects?

The unique smell of ginkgo trees is soothing, and I find it comfortable to carve with a knife. The process of slicing, sanding, and grinding blades dissipates the noise in my mind, making me calmer. I also feel fulfilled in my journey with the lacquering process of the wood.

Do you apply special techniques?

In the modern day, it is not easy to come into contact with Soban in person. I looked for books related to Soban and have devised ways of working by adding my imagination to the primary size shown in the caption.

Jonggu Lee is a master artisan: he began his career in 2009 and he started teaching in 2013

Works

©Jonggu Lee

©Jonggu Lee

©Jonggu Lee

©Jonggu Lee

©Jonggu Lee

Where