Lee Jong Min

Porcelain maker

©Ye Gum Hae

Intricate ceramic carving

Lee specialises in delicate carving on white porcelain
He uses traditional pottery making techniques
His debut solo exhibition was held in Seoul in 2011

South Korean porcelain artist Lee Jong Min defines his work as “the perfect combination of the results of constantly finding, recording, and experimenting in the great flow of nature.” After majoring in Arts and Crafts from Chung-Ang University in Anseong, he pursued his passion for porcelain as a self-taught artisan. Over the years, Lee has mastered the use of dentistry type tools as well as traditional sculpture tools. His skills lie in the ability to make very thin ridges on his sculptures, which produce the light and shadow effect of his work. “My inspiration comes from observing nature in all its forms,” he says. “From beautiful, calm, warm spring days to the harsh, cold winter weather. This is nature in action.”

Where

Interview

©Ye Gum Hae

©Ye Gum Hae

Why did you choose porcelain?: At the beginning of my career, I started working with metal, and only later did I fall in love with clay. I enjoyed the texture and the ability to make any form I wanted. I found the tools that I worked with on metal could be used almost in the same way working on clay.
How would you define your work?: I would say it is a collection and record of the beauties of nature. My artwork is made one piece at a time from the inspiration I get watching nature in action. These generate simple and orderly patterns in my mind, which then flow through my hands into my creations.
How do Korean traditions influence your pieces?: The basic forms I make derive from traditional oriental forms. But my artwork is of my own design, and it is not necessarily linked to any place. My production is an implicit record of the grandeur and subliminal aspects of nature.
Is your craft in danger of disappearing?: My craft, as well as all other similar types of crafts, is endangered by the progressive loss of human skills. I believe my work is an important medium, and hopefully an inspiration, to encourage future generations to immerse themselves in the beautiful world of the arts and crafts.

Lee Jong Min is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2011