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Have you ever felt the warmth of an artist’s hands and heart through ceramics that resemble the texture of nature? After studying ceramics in Korea and starting a new chapter in the U.S., the artist behind Yeon.Ceramic continues to quietly but deeply craft her work with care. As both a mother of two and an artist, her life gracefully bridges art and everyday living. This interview explores how she expresses herself and shares warmth with others through ceramics.
For me, the most important element in the creative process is “myself.” After all, artwork is an expression of who I am. I naturally end up creating pieces I like or that resemble me. Sometimes I attempt things that reflect who I want to become or things that are different from me, but in the end, my work usually finishes with my own unique style. I believe most artists go through a similar process.
Ceramics involve many variables, so the results are often unpredictable. The most difficult part of the process is the glazing. Even when using the same glaze, variations in thickness or placement in the kiln can produce unexpected results. It’s definitely the most challenging part, but also the charm of handmade ceramics. I overcome this by embracing trial and error, learning from each result, and ultimately enjoying the outcomes—even the surprises.
A great way to enjoy ceramics in daily life is to change their intended use. A simple shift in mindset can make ceramics more fun and special. For instance, a cup doesn’t have to be used only for drinking—it can be a vase or a centerpiece. During meals, you can use it to serve vegetable sticks, leafy greens, or kimchi. Ceramics are both beautiful and practical, so feel free to use them creatively in various ways.
I originally majored in fine art but later switched to ceramics. I stayed in school for quite a while. After completing my Master’s, I wanted a new experience and came to the U.S. temporarily. It was here that I met my husband by chance, and I’ve been living here ever since. I was doing other work at first, but after giving birth to my first child, I decided I needed to return to what I truly love—ceramics.
When the kids were younger, managing time efficiently was really difficult. But once they started school, I began using my mornings more productively for work and teaching. Still, I end up doing most of my work after they go to bed. On most days, I’m working well past midnight.
Yes, I make many functional items for everyday use, and since I have kids, I consider their preferences—thickness, color, characters they like, and ease of use—when designing. Of course, there are tough, exhausting days, but when I work with clay, I find peace and healing. Many of my students are moms who start their projects thinking of their children. After dropping their kids off at school, they come to class for some healing time—and naturally end up making something for their kids. That’s just how moms are, I suppose. Also, I often get surprisingly creative ideas from working with children. Their free use of color and unconstrained thinking has inspired me to be freer in my own work.
I believe the world of ceramics has endless potential. Beyond tableware, I want to create decorative pieces that enhance everyday spaces. So far, I’ve mainly focused on small group classes, but I hope to branch out into markets and online platforms to reach more people. I want more people to experience the warm charm and uniqueness of handmade ceramics. In classes, I aim to introduce accessible projects even beginners can enjoy—ones that reflect the tactile beauty of handcrafting.
If I had to describe Yeon.Ceramic in one phrase, it would be “what I love.” Whether it’s a cup or a bowl, all my ceramics are expressions of what I love, shaped in my own style—almost like extensions of myself. I believe everyone wants to own something that reflects their personal taste. Using a handmade bowl you crafted yourself is perhaps the most beautiful and comforting way to fulfill that desire. Even if it’s a little uneven or bumpy, its uniqueness makes it all the more special. Just the soft feeling of touching clay brings peace of mind and melts away daily stress. I hope many people can experience that warmth for themselves.
