Sungho Cho

Textured by history

• Sungho was named best jeweller in Korea in 2013
• He is fascinated by the potential to create a variety of textures
• He describes himself as a time collector

When Sungho Cho was 20 years old, he left his hometown of Cheongsong for Seoul, to study metalwork and jewellery. After that he spent many years in Europe, expanding his artistic abilities both in Florence and Munich. "This made me a global citizen," says Sungho. "I knew my way around the world, but felt that somewhere during this development I had lost a sense of who I was." Through his work, Sungho has reconnected with a life of making. "I felt able to get closer to knowing myself more," he explains. He believes his work is a monument of his life. He hopes that those who wear and admire his work will also find it provides them with a way of bringing a new meaning to their life.

Interview

©Sungho Cho

©Sungho Cho

When did you decide to focus on metal working?

When I applied to Seoul National University, I knew very little about craft, but there was not much choice. The department of crafts only offered majors in metalwork, jewellery and ceramic. I fell in love with metal while helping other students.

What is your motivation for choosing metal?

The properties of metal can be changed and revived in the process of working it. My fascination in the physical qualities of metal grew the more I used it. With metal, I can work on scale and texture which is not possible with jewellery making.

Do you have a special technique for your work?

The beeswax’s property makes vessels from textured cast sheets thin, exquisite and airy with intricate patterns. The patterns are implemented in five ways: pattern stamping, roll printing, wax melt-drawing, texture composing and time collecting.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get inspiration from textures and patterns in clothing, buildings and natural objects. I worked on tracing historical monuments – such as the Berlin Wall and a 600-year-old stone bridge in Seoul – to trace history on the walls of my vessels.

Sungho Cho is a master artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2013

Works

©Sungho Cho

©Sungho Cho

©Sungho Cho

©Sungho Cho

©Sungho Cho

Where