Stone that carries wishes
- Yeonjun is a second-generation ceramicist
- He loves seeing his pieces used in people’s daily life
- He feels satisfied when viewers discover the intention embedded in his work
Born to ceramicist parents, Yeonjun Kim grew up constantly playing with clay, and made his first work of a clay crocodile in his early childhood. "Although studying ceramics at university helped me develop a style different than that of my parents, we still exchange advice and often work together," he says. Yeonjun created his Stone series, inspired by people placing small stones on pagodas in Korean temples. “Each stone is just one among countless ordinary stones, yet they are being chosen as individual vessels for people's wishes. That fascinates me,” he says. Wanting his works to hold similar meaning, Yeonjun began using small stones as a medium to connect bowls and their bases. He aims for his works to be naturally absorbed into people's routines and everyday lives.
Interview
- Why do you enjoy clay?
- Clay is formed over an unimaginable amount of time. After it erodes, it is pressed and transformed. I like that works made of clay gain a kind of permanence that does not rot or burn.
- How do your collaborations with fine-dining restaurants begin?
- Chefs often show interest in my work at fairs or exhibitions. Before starting the creation process, I meet with the chefs, discuss the dishes and study their colours and forms. To ensure a perfect fit, I create the pieces while looking at the food they will carry.
- What do you pay the most attention to when working?
- I pursue everyday art, objects that can be touched and enjoyed in daily life. I am constantly taking ease-of-use into consideration while working on a piece. If I find that any element is inconvenient, I immediately fix it and reflect that improvement in the next design.
- When are most satisfied?
- I am happiest when I see someone placing a warm meal they prepared for themselves or for someone they care about onto one of my pieces. I want everyone to set their dining tables as if they were curating pieces for an exhibition.
Yeonjun Kim is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2013
