The art of waiting
- Jonggu was a photographer before he turned to woodwork
- He was taught by a Soban master and a lacquerware master
- He finds joy in repetition
Jonggu Lee was a photographer for 20 years, before turning to the path of craftsmanship. When he started working in wood, his experience in photography was useful in the process of understanding proportions. Jonggu became acquainted with Soban table making by chance, and has never looked back. "Working in direct contact with trees and wood takes away my stress," he says. In his making process, there are more than ten rounds of applying sandpaper and lacquer, to produce a final object. Using traditional techniques, Jonggu makes various types of Soban tables with his hand tools and a lacquer finish. "Throughout the process, I develop patience and experience the art of waiting," explains the artisan.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I was looking for a hobby that I could enjoy while working in photography, without tiring my body and mind. I registered for the Soban class run by the Korea Foundation for Cultural Heritage. I was taught the art by Soban master Jongseok Lee and lacquerware master Hyungman Lee.
I remember seeing on TV that the Red Lacquer 12 Angled Soban – which are Korean cultural assets – had been stolen during the Japanese colonial era. I made a three-dimensional picture by looking at the captured TV image, and went on to win a craft competition with my creation.
The unique smell of ginkgo trees is soothing, and I find it comfortable to carve with a knife. The process of slicing, sanding, and grinding blades dissipates the noise in my mind, making me calmer. I also feel fulfilled in my journey with the lacquering process of the wood.
In the modern day, it is not easy to come into contact with Soban in person. I looked for books related to Soban and have devised ways of working by adding my imagination to the primary size shown in the caption.
Jonggu Lee
Cabinetmaker
Seoul, South Korea
Recommended by Korea Craft & Design Foundation
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+82 1097836006
LANGUAGES
Korean, English
