Joseon porcelain, a play of contrasts
- Sanggeun gives a modern interpretation to Joseon Dynasty porcelain and ceramics
- His pieces create a distinctive atmosphere
- Aesthetics and practicality collide in his creative style
Sanggeun Jeon first encountered the art of ceramics while attending university where he taught himself pottery. To him, pottery was a revelation: it was like painting expressed in three dimensions. Sanggeun then knew he wanted to become a craftsman as making things with his hands had been a passion since his childhood. Ceramics, in particular, was a field he perceived to have unique artistry. He also found it fascinating that the outcome of a piece could not be foreknown when the works entered the kiln. Today, Sanggeun is well known for his modern interpretation of Joseon Dynasty white porcelain. His dishes go beyond the purpose of containing food, being beautiful objects that permeate a space with refinement.
Interview
- What do you get inspiration from?
- I tend to go to museums and search through old books a lot. I also read a lot of interior design magazines. My hope is that my works will be seen as beautiful objects in any space. So reading magazine or visiting places where I can capture interior design trends help me find inspiration.
- Among your works, which ones are you most attached to?
- It is a black clay porcelain series. I was able to gain interest from overseas with this series, and it became a great opportunity to show my work to other audiences.
- What is the charm of black porcelain?
- I like realism paintings and I think black porcelain creates this same nice atmosphere in a space. And when it is placed next to white porcelain, the contrast creates this dramatic feeling even more.
- What techniques do you want to develop or challenge in the future?
- I want to do something that can show both black and white porcelain works together. I had a chance to work on an installation art piece on hotel walls in the past, and it was a great experience. So I would like to have more opportunities to create larger installations in the future.
Sanggeun Jeon is a master artisan: he began his career in 2007 and he started teaching in 2018
Where
Sanggeun Jeon
