Sooyeon Kim - "Wounded"
2022, 12"×14"×5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
The Memory of the Pandemic year of 2020 Each color used and how they are mixed is an expression of my emotional and spiritual state after the experiences of the pandemic year of 2020. The piece is an outpouring and release of my feelings, worries, frustration, and hope from the last 12 months.
2022, 12"×14"×5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
The Memory of the Pandemic year of 2020 Each color used and how they are mixed is an expression of my emotional and spiritual state after the experiences of the pandemic year of 2020. The piece is an outpouring and release of my feelings, worries, frustration, and hope from the last 12 months.
Sooyeon Kim - "I am precious. (Platinum)"
2021, 12"×14"×5", Media: Porcelain, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
Platinum retains a sense of purity that is a symbol of nobility and also a reflection of inner truth. Platinum's purity is attributed to a brilliant white glow. Here, I express my desire and willingness to find the purpose and meaning of life as a child of God. The black lines on the surface of the teapot are infused with my intention, choices, daily narrative, and history, like a photograph recorded in a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove.
2021, 12"×14"×5", Media: Porcelain, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
Platinum retains a sense of purity that is a symbol of nobility and also a reflection of inner truth. Platinum's purity is attributed to a brilliant white glow. Here, I express my desire and willingness to find the purpose and meaning of life as a child of God. The black lines on the surface of the teapot are infused with my intention, choices, daily narrative, and history, like a photograph recorded in a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove.
Sooyeon Kim - "Dancheong Teapot"
2022, 12"×14"×5", Media: Porcelain, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
This piece is based on Dancheong, a traditional Korean design, but with a modern twist. Dancheong is the symbolism behind all of Korea’s beautifully painted temples and palaces, referring to the uniform five-colored designs. Not only did the vibrant design convey the importance and status of the residents, but it also served as a meaningful way to preserve and protect the wooden structure from the weather—Dancheong, which protected Korean homes for millennia and symbolized prayers for good fortune.
2022, 12"×14"×5", Media: Porcelain, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
This piece is based on Dancheong, a traditional Korean design, but with a modern twist. Dancheong is the symbolism behind all of Korea’s beautifully painted temples and palaces, referring to the uniform five-colored designs. Not only did the vibrant design convey the importance and status of the residents, but it also served as a meaningful way to preserve and protect the wooden structure from the weather—Dancheong, which protected Korean homes for millennia and symbolized prayers for good fortune.
Sooyeon Kim - "Daisy Teapot"
, ,Firing Process: Mid-range
The surface design of this sculptural teapot is inspired by daises often used to symbolize cheerfulness, purity, innocence, new beginnings, and childbirth. I hope this Daisy teapot becomes a great inspiration of joy to someone, especially when they have a fresh start, are graduating, are moving, or are going through another significant life change.
, ,Firing Process: Mid-range
The surface design of this sculptural teapot is inspired by daises often used to symbolize cheerfulness, purity, innocence, new beginnings, and childbirth. I hope this Daisy teapot becomes a great inspiration of joy to someone, especially when they have a fresh start, are graduating, are moving, or are going through another significant life change.
Sooyeon Kim - "I am that, _____."
2022, 12"×14"×5", Media: Porcelain, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
“You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are.” by Elkhart Tolle. Iconography has the same character as the represented image among the groups or society. For this reason, even if the object with the sign itself does not exist in front of them, people will react appropriately just by looking at the imagery of symbols. There are also magical aspects of particular objects that are reminiscent of other worlds or are achieved by putting realistic desires in iconography. In this work, I want to capture and manifest my identity as a child of God and my desire to become a conveyor of iconography.
2022, 12"×14"×5", Media: Porcelain, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
“You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are.” by Elkhart Tolle. Iconography has the same character as the represented image among the groups or society. For this reason, even if the object with the sign itself does not exist in front of them, people will react appropriately just by looking at the imagery of symbols. There are also magical aspects of particular objects that are reminiscent of other worlds or are achieved by putting realistic desires in iconography. In this work, I want to capture and manifest my identity as a child of God and my desire to become a conveyor of iconography.
Sooyeon Kim - "Fruitfulness II"
2021, 12"x8"x5", Media: Mixed Media, Porcelain, Stoneware, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Pattern
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single tiny decision.” By James Clear “The compound effect is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small smart choices.” By Darren Hardy My technique of hand-building with tiny pellets of clay springs from a fundamental principle that “from many can come one.” Each bit of clay holds the mundane - my fingerprints and the sublime - my mood. Each also shows the progress of my work in its journey toward completion. It’s symbolic of human lives, consisting of many thousands of simple days and the planting of seeds.
2021, 12"x8"x5", Media: Mixed Media, Porcelain, Stoneware, Firing Process: Mid-range, Surface: Pattern
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single tiny decision.” By James Clear “The compound effect is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small smart choices.” By Darren Hardy My technique of hand-building with tiny pellets of clay springs from a fundamental principle that “from many can come one.” Each bit of clay holds the mundane - my fingerprints and the sublime - my mood. Each also shows the progress of my work in its journey toward completion. It’s symbolic of human lives, consisting of many thousands of simple days and the planting of seeds.
Sooyeon Kim - "Fruitfulness II"
2021, 12"×8"×5", Media: Porcelain, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Pattern
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single tiny decision.” By James Clear “The compound effect is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small smart choices.” By Darren Hardy My technique of hand-building with tiny pellets of clay springs from a fundamental principle that “from many can come one.” Each bit of clay holds the mundane - my fingerprints and the sublime - my mood. Each also shows the progress of my work in its journey toward completion. It’s symbolic of human lives, consisting of many thousands of simple days and the planting of seeds.
2021, 12"×8"×5", Media: Porcelain, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Pattern
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single tiny decision.” By James Clear “The compound effect is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small smart choices.” By Darren Hardy My technique of hand-building with tiny pellets of clay springs from a fundamental principle that “from many can come one.” Each bit of clay holds the mundane - my fingerprints and the sublime - my mood. Each also shows the progress of my work in its journey toward completion. It’s symbolic of human lives, consisting of many thousands of simple days and the planting of seeds.
Artist Statement
⚱Teapot
In Korea, when talking about a person’s personality, we use the term ‘vessel’ as a metaphor. I grew up listening to lessons from my parents that I should always be a “big vessel.” A vessel is an object used for filling and holding something. My parents emphasized the idea of this “big vessel,” which does not refer to size; it means having ability, open-mindedness, capability, a big heart, and generosity.
Among the many forms of vessels, the most complicated to make is a teapot. This is because teapots are made of several different parts: body, handle, knob, spout, lid, and foot. The challenge is to emphasize the esthetic qualities of a shape, ensuring they go well together to create a beautiful harmony. The questions this creates for me are more fun than creating just a standard vessel form.
Teapots have long been used socially for the act of sharing and confiding with each other over a cup of tea. In their outward context, they represent traditions, rituals, and cultures. Teapots inwardly symbolize warmth, comfort, friendship, and community. Historically, teapots have also been used to commemorate events or make (often subversive) political statements.
Many people struggle with finding their identity due to this ever-changing world we live in. Self-discovery is essential to know what direction life is taking each of us. According to the Oxford Dictionary, self-discovery is the process of acquiring insight into one’s own character.
I am a unique individual, a child of God, a big teapot, and still also a process. As a teapot must tilt its body humbly to pour tea water, so I am in the process of becoming the big teapot that serves others.
I’m a Big teapot,
Short and stout,
Here is my handle
Here is my spout
When I get all steamed up,
Hear me shout,
Tip me over and pour me out!
I’m a very special teapot,
Yes, it’s true,
Here’s an example of what I can do,
I can turn my handle into a spout,
Tip me over and pour me out!
⚱My technique of hand-building with tiny pellets of clay
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single tiny decision.”
By James Clear
“The compound effect is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small smart choices.” By Darren Hardy
My technique of hand-building with tiny pellets of clay springs from a fundamental principle that “from many can come one.” Each bit of clay holds the mundane - my fingerprints and the sublime - my mood.
Each also shows the progress of my work in its journey toward completion. It’s symbolic of human lives, consisting of many thousands of simple days and the planting of seeds.
Bio
Sooyeon Kim is a native of Seoul, South Korea, where she received her undergraduate degree before coming to the U.S. and earned a master of Arts at Iowa State University. Sooyeon Kim’s work has been exhibited in many national and international shows, including NCECA (National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts), SOFA Chicago (Sculpture Objects Functional Art & Design) and has been featured in Ceramics Monthly Magazine.
Currently, Sooyeon Kim is a studio artist and teaches ceramics, 3D design, and Art, Society, and Culture classes at Georgia State University at Clarkston campus in Georgia.