Stoneware tiny lidded jars, 6 cm to 9 cm high, cone 8, 2024

Someone once described my work as “Art Deco meets Asia” or “Asian Art Deco,” a phrase that resonated profoundly with me. My goal for this series is to explore the rich intersections between Eastern and Western aesthetics, revealing how seemingly distinct artistic traditions can harmonize. I was surprised to discover that the rhythmic arrangements of traditional Korean wall and door patterns naturally echo the geometric sophistication of Art Deco. This realization has driven me to reinterpret historical motifs in a contemporary context, allowing them to take on new life through shape, surface, and texture. Each piece begins as a wheel-thrown closed-form jar, sculpted as a single continuous piece. The lids are freehand-cut to complement the form, often adorned with a delicate knob or an organic, branch-like handle that adds a tactile, natural element.

Surface decoration is central to my process, adding layers of complexity to each piece. I apply intricate patterns using decals, colored terra sigillata, slip, or underglaze to create depth, while select pieces feature hand-carved botanical imagery through inlaying or sgraffito. Multiple glazes, carefully hand-painted, enhance the interplay of matte and glossy surfaces, creating a dynamic visual experience. As light moves across the form, different details emerge, revealing subtle shifts in texture and color. The fusion of Art Deco precision with organic Korean influences allows my work to transcend time and place, forging a dialogue between past and present.

Beyond aesthetics, functionality plays a significant role in my pieces. Smaller jars are often purchased as containers for sugar, tea, or jewelry, serving as elegant yet practical household objects. Larger vessels, however, take on a more profound purpose—many customers select them as resting places for their beloved pets, transforming these works of art into meaningful memorials. This duality of use and symbolism reflects my broader artistic vision: to create objects that are not only visually compelling but also deeply personal and enduring. Through this series, I continue my exploration of cultural connections, bridging artistic traditions and reimagining them in new and unexpected ways.

Stoneware, 12 cm high, cone 8, 2022

Stoneware Oval Vases, 18 cm to 25 cm high, cone 8, 2024

Stoneware, 20cm high, cone 8, 2022

Stoneware, 7 cm high, cone 8, 2024

Stoneware, Top view of a vase, 20cm high, cone 8, 2024

Stoneware, 14 cm high, cone 8, 2022

Stoneware, 10cm high, cone 8, 2022

Stoneware, 18 cm high, cone 8, 2022

Stoneware Oval Vase, 25 cm high, cone 8, 2025

Stoneware, 12 cm high, cone 8, 2022

Stoneware, 13 cm high, cone 8, 2021