Dongwan Kim

Studio Glass Movement

Glass sculptor

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The allure of the orange glow

Dongwan is a glass artist combining glass fusing, glassblowing and lacquer work
He works in a unique way by lacquering glass to give texture and add layers
He runs the studio in Seoul with his wife, who is also a glassmaker

From a young age, Dongwan Kim displayed a talent for crafting and a passion for creating things by hand. He pursued his studies in the Department of Craft Design at university, and explored various craft techniques, including glass, ceramics, weaving, and lacquer work. Among these, ceramics and glass crafts captivated him the most. After graduation, Dongwan found himself torn between ceramics and glass. His path became clear one day when he opened a kiln and was mesmerised by the sight of molten glass glowing a brilliant orange amidst intense heat. That moment ignited in him a deep fascination for glass craftsmanship, leading him to choose it as his lifelong pursuit. Today, Dongwan continues to shape his artistic journey through the art of glassblowing, enjoying glowing orange glass and searing heat, while adding other techniques such as lacquer to deepen the textures of his works.

Interview

What makes your work unique?
When I first started working with glass, lacquering on glass was almost unheard of in Korea. There were not many examples to follow, so I had to go through a lot of trial and error to develop my own techniques. Over time, I was able to refine my process and create the distinctive style of work I have today.
Why do you think people are particularly drawn to your work?
When people first see a piece of mine, they often do not realise it is made of glass. Some assume it is ceramic or even wood. This ambiguity was not something I planned, but it seems to spark curiosity and encourages people to take a closer look at my work.
In your view, what makes an artwork great?
When people see artwork, they might not fully understand all the techniques or meanings behind it, but they can sense the effort and time the artist poured into creating it. Craftwork, born from human hands and passed from one person to another, should be rooted in sincerity, trust, and a genuine commitment to the process.
How would you define your work?
Glass is unchanging, while lacquer deepens and evolves over time. I aspire to reflect these qualities in my craft—unchanging in essence but growing richer with time. My goal is to honour the fundamentals, convey beauty, and create timeless pieces that embody the artist's passion, all while gaining recognition as the years pass.

Dongwan Kim is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2010