Hours of hammering
- William uses the hand raising technique for his creations
- He transforms silver into pieces that showcase Korean aesthetics
- His craft is very physical, he hammers for at least six hours a day
William SH Lee's Moon Jar, his most iconic artwork, is made by supporting an 11 kg silver disc with one hand and tapping with a hammer tens of thousands of times with the other. His works are born from a harsh production method which creates simple lines to depict Korean aesthetics. In college, William learned that his creations would contribute to the culture of this era. "When scholars look at relics, they infer the kind of use of an object depending on its age," he says. With his unique art form, William seeks to create relics that will reflect the culture of our age, for future generations.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I want my shapes to reflect Korean culture and represent all generations. The varying expressions illustrate the dynamic Korean culture made up of many generations. I believe that my artworks mark time with every single hammering gesture.
After high school, I learned to make silverware while working at Uno Silverware Company in Seoul. In 2004, I received a bachelor's in Silversmithing from Camberwell College of Arts. I studied in the UK to learn silversmithing from where it originated.
The hand raising process. I create objects in full three-dimensional shapes and sizes from a piece of flat metal sheet by hammering the thin silver sheet over a thousand times from start to finish.
I pursued metal craft since high school and from then on my passion for my work grew and grew. After graduating, I had an opportunity to work in a metal working studio and as I came across silverware, I became attracted to crafting silver objects.
