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Today is October 20th, 2023. My name is Ian Kim and I'm with the Houston Asian American Archive. I'll be interviewing Yeonsoo Kim, an expert ceramist specializing in onggi, a type of Korean pottery in Houston.

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Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you today. Thank you for having me. So I want to start off with your early life experiences. So just to get started, can you tell me about when and where you were

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born? I was born in Haenam, Jeolla Province. August 15th, in 1977. And can you tell me some of your experiences growing up during that time?

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Because I saw your–your website and you said, like, there was not a lot of electricity or it was pretty rural–rural from what I assume. Can you tell me some of, like, your experiences?

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Oh, sure. My actual hometown is less than 20 residents, which means, you know, a really small country town. Even when I was a kid, you know, there is no electricity and without

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any bridges. So that's why your only access to the land to, you know, get a boat and, you know. So I still remember when I was a kid, you know, there was a cruise between Mokpo to, you know,

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Haenam and—but I don't know how small was that when I was a kid. But when I growing up, I realized that, you know. And that's why when I was a kid, you know, my job was actually go fishing, go swimming.

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Totally exposed by nature. That's why I hugely influenced by, you know, this kind of environment. So I did-I would—I couldn't expect, you know,

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growing up, you know, working with clay. But I feel like that experience and environment made that happen, so. So can you–can you also describe your family?

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How was–how was like—I saw that you had five siblings. Yeah. So I'm actually the youngest. And then kind of in a big family and my parents just working hard, you know, that's why genetically,

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I believe so my family, you know, working hard, you know, living countryside, a lot of work to do. And that's why, you know, depends on the time of the—walk to the ocean, you know.

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Sometime, you know, my father and my mother get up early, probably around four-ish in the morning, and then—and our kids, you know, I need more sleep, you know, then eat–eat the breakfast.

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So that's why I just, you know, I just want to keep, you know, sleep, you know, without eat. But my mom already concerned about me and usually eat and then go to, you know, back to sleep.

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And my oldest one, actually, she's living in Mokpo, which means Jeolla province. And then, and I feel like in terms of, you know, influence, the environment.

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She is really good at writing and–and my brothers, and they're gonna listen to music and reading the books and are really into reading the comic books. And even I learned from the how to draw, how to,

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you know, write. So that's why I just, you know, they didn't expect, you know, private lessons, but somehow I just spent time with them and then I usually spar(?) with them. So that's why I love listening to classical music.

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And I still love reading the books. And then—and also I play with some, you know, drawing and painting. So the environment, you know, make-make it happen. So unfortunately, most of my family living

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in Korea and some of the older brothers, they work with the, you know, industry of architecture and yeah, they seems like a good handyman. And, you know, so growing up, you know, I mean, small country side, you know, exposed by a lot of work to do.

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So that's why they work hard. And, you know, I feel like, you know, they really, you know, diligent and working hard. So that's why I feel like most of my family, you know,

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they–they like that kind of style of living. So yeah, I'm gonna visit next summer. So I wanna, you know, can't wait to see them, you know. So it's been a while since been pandemic.

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I won't be able to back in Korea for some reason. And yeah, I'm excited to be back, you know, next summer. Yeah. My family is also in Korea too. I came here to Houston for university, so.

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[YK: Uh huh.] It's also there too. So what I'm hearing is that you're very artistic from a young age, too. Like, you grew up with, like, comic books and listened to classical music and you practice painting and drawing?

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Yeah. So I wasn't trying to be, you know, to be a teacher. And I was elementary school, and actually, I'm a kind of tall guy, even though I'm Korean.

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So one day I play in the playground at school. The baseball coach, you know, it seems like, pick me up. And then why don't you join the, you know, baseball club and then, and why not? And then I trained by, you know,

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you know, out of–out of classes and then. But unfortunately that training really, you know, harsh and, you know, a lot of punishment. For example, when we are losing the game, you know,

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it seems like, you know, to get, you know, motivation or some, you know, punishment to, you know, to, you know, bring some, you know, energy to the-win the games.

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I don't know, I feel like, you know, I still remember the rain–rainy day we lose the game and supposed to be you know we took a bus–buses. But it seems like okay, we're gonna run to the, you know, back to school and then we start running and sometime,

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you know, he doesn't like that certain, you know, performance. And then I, you know, I got punishment. He holding the-always you know, baseball bat and then, you know, hitting the, you know, butt and then.

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And I was kid-it feels like too much. You know, that's why, should I keep doing this or not? So that's why I decided to quit. And then I just studying hard.

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And then—I really enjoy–enjoying actually reading books, you know? But my-my goal actually to be a, you know, teachers at some point. But when I was a teenager, you know, I feel like there is something

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going on my family business, you know? So that's why-I'm a youngest, so I don't know what to do. And then I feel like something going on. So-and bankruptcy and some—and unfortunately–fortunately,

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my mom, dad when I was, you know, 17 or 18 years old and then-and I need do something else. So that's why I'm really into doing some art. So that's why I'm really into art and painting and drawing.

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And luckily I met a good friend of my teacher. Actually, she had a double major painting and drawing and painting—painting and sculpture. So that's why I had chance to touch the clay. And I feel like really satisfying at some point.

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And so-but anyway, I studying hard, you know, painting and drawing, you know. Hard as I can. And then luckily I went to the Hongik University where the famous in Korea, the in terms of art

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school-number one art school. And then I don't know what to do when I get in school, and then I just go, you know, military service, you know, 26 months. And then right after that, I need time to go back to school.

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So that's why I got a part-time job to teaching the Art Institute. You know, how to draw, how to paint. And I use the–I purchase-use the car and then and she recommend me. And then she actually introduced one of the local potter and,

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okay, I do love to go and learn something. You know, how to draw, how to, you know, carving the ceramics. So that's why my skill set and prospects really widen, you know, out of school.

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So it was a good experience. And after that I back to school and my skillset way better than, you know, other students. So at that time, I saw the onggi

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demo and I was, you know, undergraduate. So most of my experience and perspective, you know, okay, how can I do that? How can I be—should I be a full time artist or teaching,

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you know, to be a professor? You know, that's only, I mean my perspective. So—but with our experience out of school, you know, my ideas, you know, okay, I'm gonna go grad school and then studying

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abroad and then teaching some, you know, classes. And that's why-my thinking. But since I met some full time artists, you know, I feel like, okay, wow, I love–I love that, you know,

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I just want to set a goal like them and then, you know, in terms of, life setting, you know, I feel like, you know, we freedom and, you know, I love them so–so that's why I met some people full time

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and I saw some demonstration. And then I feel like, you know, I need to something else, you know, than just taking classes. So luckily, I met, you know, one of the onggi teacher at that

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time, his name, actually, Mr. Hyun Jong Oh. And he's still, you know, one of my close friend and, you know, best teacher I ever met. And at the time he was running the onggi business.

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So my routine-daily routine, actually 9 to 5, and I worked onggi factory. Loading the kiln, you know, making clay, firing the kiln. And then right after dinner,

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you know, he showed me how to make onggi. And then I was spend time with him actually, you know, even help and during the undergraduate. So I feel like not only enhance my skill set but also

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I can find out, you know, my own identity as a Korean. Even though I growing up in Korea, my perspective, you know, always think about that time, you know, Japan and the United States because my teachers,

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you know, they studied the abroad, you know, people, you know, military, they went to study actually in Japan. So they speak about Japanese, you know, life and beauty and cultures. And then right after back to school, you know,

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some of the faculty, they're still in the United States, you know, almost 20 years ago. So that's when no social media and no references and, you know, so that's why, oh, I just wondering what's going on in the,

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you know, bunch of person(?) in the State. That's why I'm curious about that. Anyway, so that time actually, you know, some of, you know, life lessons and there is some momentum to change

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my life. So yeah, that's the big difference. Then you know took apprenticeship and you know. Yeah. So. Yeah, that sounds very interesting.

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So just to, like, go back to, like, your early life, just like a little bit more. So were there any, like, specific memories of, like—that, like, stood out to you back then?

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Like, because art was definitely, like, a huge part of your life. So is there, like, one specific memory that sort of you remember very clearly about all of this? You mean specific time or?

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Or just, like, any, like, any memory, like, for example, the first time you start, like, drawing or maybe, like, some, like, art piece that you had, like, you know, drawn when you're, like, very little and you still remember it

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to this day or- Yeah. I still remember when I was in middle school, I did some drawing. I think, you know, that, you know, we can use the crayon and then and apply a lot of color

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palette and then fully covering up with the black. And then after that and we got covered by another tool like that. So I draw some one dragon and some, you know, snake like that. So and then she will really compliment,

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you know, compliment, you know what I'm drawing. So I didn't think about that. You know, about the art. But after that happened, you know, "Oh I'm going to keep going on."

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And then-and also I feel like, you know-you know, high school, you know, my teacher, she was really encouraging–encouraging to me. And I'm not good at it actually, you know, in terms of skill set at the

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beginning stage. But she seems like okay, you are on the good, you know, way—right way. So if you keep doing this, you know, it's okay. So I feel like, you know, I just keep going on,

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you know, keep practicing again. And then I got some awards, you know, because at that time we often go be part of some, you know, competition for drawing and painting. You know–you know, we were high school and not only involving the event but

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also we can go university. So that's why I met some couple of the, you know, university student. And then even though, you know, fancy campus. So I feel like, oh, I'd love to go,

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you know, that's to bring my motivation. Even when our high school my family moving in Seoul and then my father want to move into school in Seoul. But at some reason, you know, I don't wanna live in my hometown,

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actually. That's why I was there and then—but during the break, I visited some campus. I went to Hongik, Ehwa, and Yonsei and, you know, like some, you know, my school that I want to go.

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And I still remember a memory about that. That was actually a winter break. So I met a couple of the couples and some student at the school, and I feel like, you know, the some

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student, they're wearing the big jacket, and then I can see they're in a paint, the oils and, you know, some dirty jackets. But I feel like that look great, and they look really fabulous, you know? And I was a kid—I'm in high school,

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so that's why. Okay, I'd love to go, you know. That's why I'm studying-I decided to study hard and you know, drawing in a hard much. So yeah, luckily I was there.

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And I mean, I involved in that school program and I met a lot of, you know, good friend of mine, and then it was a good experience for me and depends on where am I, who made you know, I'm hugely influenced by them. So a lot of, you know, I mean accident

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then happening through my experiences. And so that's why I feel lucky, even though my family is—something going on. And then they couldn't understand what I'm doing actually, you know, they really

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involving art and do some business then art. So—but if I'm doing, you know, well it seems like you know, okay if you are happy, yeah, it's okay. So—but at some point, you know, sometime I just

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want show them my experience as an artist living in States. But this seems like they don't know exactly what I'm doing. So—and so—but some of my friend and some of my teachers, they still—I still contact with them.

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So yeah, I feel like they really proud of me. And then because I just keep pursue my professional career in the States and yeah, it seems like, you know, and also a bit out of the topic, but I feel like, you know,

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since pandemic, you know, what's the–what's the most variety, you know, because, you know, when our kids, you know, I just want to set a goal, aim to higher and studying hard, working hard and you know, to reaching my dreams.

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But at some point, you know, never ending, you know, always waiting something. So that's why, you know, sometime I regret my past and then too much worry about my future rather than, you know,

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be in moment. So—but art actually, you know, bring happiness. And I like the expression what's the art? You know, there's a definition, you know, but I like the journey,

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actually find out who you are, you know, the art practice never ending. It looks like, you know, professional sports, you know, sometime, you know, really frustrating, you know, but life goes like that.

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Even though I set the goal, you know, try to, you know, set my, you know, first scenario. But sometimes it works out but sometimes doesn't. So that's why–you know, it's been a good time to figuring out what you really want to

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do. And so—especially in our kids, you know, most of my friends and teachers, you know–you know, or if I decide to be an artist, you know, they seem to like, okay. It seems like hard to, you know, interact with that.

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So—but seems like—I feel like lucky having this job and keep, you know, if I live in Korea, I feel like really happy to succeed. So that's what I've been thinking of a lot, you know?

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And also I need more own definition, you know, what's the succeed and what's-what, you know, what is my happiness? So—because when you're young, you know, we don't know what I'm doing and what I really want to do,

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you know, who knows? You know, early days, you know, just collect information, references and set the goal, you know, I want to be like them. But at some point, you know, if I go my way,

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I feel like more—I mean, really happy, really appreciate it, you know, that moment and—but still figuring out. But then our kids, you know, I don't know what I'm doing, and—yeah. So—but, yeah.

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Yeah. So what I'm hearing is that even though there was, like, a little bit of pressure from, like, people to, like, you know, do something that's, like, more, you know, like, business wise, like, you were mostly,

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like, you got a lot of support and, like, love and, like, people were happy that you were doing art. Mhm. So I think as a full time artist, you know, sometime I need to research marketplace, you know,

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especially if I'm fully, you know, support my family if I'm rich you know, I don't worry about that. You know. But as a full time–full time artist, you know, I should think about that way.

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So someone who, you know, get a job teaching or sometimes they're running some, you know, art practice, you know. But for me, I'm really into making art. And, you know, that's the way to how can I dominate

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my work. How can I make more distinguished than others? So that means, you know, a lot of competition, a lot of pressure. Even, you know, sometimes I feel really stressful, so keep competing with others.

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But at some point that's why, you know, I just wanna set the goal. Daily routine somehow 9 to 5. Just keep working hard and making. And that's the—I try to set the goal like, you know–you know,

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work ethics. You know sometimes just, we know we got to do something. We just say something and oh, you know researching, you know. But I believe so through my experience, you know, that's what I learned from my teachers.

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They really working hard, you know. And even though different generation, you know, sometimes I really frustrating because, you know, I can make it like them.

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But at some point, you know, if I keep going there to, like, you know, I'm right–right away. So, out of school, actually I did a lot of residencies and, you know, tried to involve in some jewelry show and some exhibition,

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you know. I think it takes time to expose the, you know, to the people, you know, they recognize my work. So that's why I just wanna show them. And that means, you know, I need to keep produce my work and try to

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apply a lot of show, try to a lot of, you know, apply jewelry show like that. Sometime, you know, work out sometime doesn't. Sometime I feel like, you know, if I couldn't access—I mean,

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couldn't get it. I've really, you know, frustrating, you know. When we really wanna do something big show and big exhibitions. But you know what? If I keep doing this, you know, sometime–sometime, you know, it works out finally.

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So even—I like the expression. If I keep applying, if I keep, you know, do something, it's not failure–failure. You know, it's kind of in a process, in stages.

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So that's why I just wanna keep applying, keep, you know, make some—find opportunities. And—but that's why sometime, you know, in terms of mentality, I feel like, you know, I need more enhance my,

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you know, mental healthy. That means, you know, certain pressure killing me and sometime, you know, social media references to, you know, see what's going on. And—but at the same time,

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you know, it helps a lot to, you know, to me, boosting–boosting up, you know, okay. Wow. And then at some point, you know, someone who really good at it, you know, than me. But that's why I need a control sometime,

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you know? Okay. I need to focus. I need to go my way rather than thinking too much. So that's why I'm trying to do in the right with my–myself, you know, and other than that, sometime, you know,

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pressure killing me and personally, I'm thinking about that much. And yeah, I think everybody has difficulties, everybody suffering some issues, you know, so no one gonna be perfect. So that's why, you know, that's why I'm gonna,

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you know, manage in two tracks. If I'm selling my work, you know, to save the money and make–make a living, definitely focusing on kind of utilitarian pottery. Some are producing, you know, mug and cup and some bowl and some plates,

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you know, to sell. And also for some, you know, all my storytelling and-and also, you know, to creating to myself, you know, I just wanna creating all my work whether I sell or not. And I just wanna expanding and you know, in as my own,

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you know, create your own. So that's why I'm trying to do, so other than that, you know, because, you know, and I was in Korea, I used to actually living—producing in the factory

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and some studio in practice, most of the time actually producing for sale. So that's why I feel like I'll be tired. No matter what-loving someone who, you know, positive, you know. I like the expression, you know,

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we can divide, you know, three stages, you know. No matter what era you are working on, you know. First stage, actually, we-we really into-that means we have passion. Passion about, I wanna do that.

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I don't wanna, you know, working hard. But at the same time we use that and then we lose passion. And then it's kind of boring, you know, and somehow, you know, we get depressed or—but I feel like,

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you know, I need time to figuring out, find our own meaning. What's the meaning of keep doing this and then even myself. You know–you know, with Korea, you know, I didn't think about that much, you know. A lot of competition in Korea, small country side.

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And you should go back to school, go to school. And then, you know, professor is good, you know, life and something like that, you know. Social hierarchy and, you know, even relationship with orders,

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you know. So I feel like really stressful. I didn't really like that when I was in Korea. But I feel like living in State, you know, I feel like, oh, I feel need to do something to myself. So that's why my work actually, in

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order to find out who you are and who am I and what do you want to do? That's why I bring my happiness and memories and, you know, to be on time and, yeah. So.

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And I also want to ask—because, you know, there's, like, obviously there's, like, ups and downs for artists. So like, are there, like, any people around you who help you through, like, those difficult times or, like, people who you took inspiration from?

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Or is it mostly like, you know, alone, I guess? Yeah. Yeah, definitely. When I afraid about the future, you know, one of my ceramic heroes, he's actually teaching the University of Georgia.

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He is actually Korean American. His name is Sunkoo Yuh. He's the first immigration artist in the State. And he's well known, you know, this field.

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And I feel like he's my ceramic hero. And in terms of, you know, he has, you know, fame and reputation and he has a full time job and he has a family. And droable two daughters and then I feel

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like, oh, I want to be like him. But at some point since we spend time with him. I feel like I couldn't, you know, be like him, you know? I need to find my way.

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So he only pushed me the way, you know, in terms of, you know–you know, growing–growing up and growth. And he's one of my big motivation. And he never satisfied in terms of artists.

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He always bring the new-new energy, you know, out of school, who care, you know, no one care about your youth, you know. So—but when you talk with him and he give me a motivation and, you know, bring some energy, but at the same time,

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you know, there was a reason to that, you know. Why I keep doing this, you know, and—but I feel like at some point, I don't like kind of in a Korean hierarchy because even though he's living in State, but he is still, you know, hierarchy in the kind of,

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you know, Korean style of teaching, you know, without compliment, you know, always pushing away, but versus actually, I have two faculty member in our grad school and–and his name actually [Taesukhae?] He just got retired at school.

00:27:22.530 - 00:27:37.380

He moved in San Francisco and he live in his son, and then I just wondering how–how can you keep doing this, you know, in terms of producing your work and how can get through it, you know? I feel like certain pressure, you know,

00:27:37.390 - 00:27:53.680

I feel like really stressful, you know, how can keep developing my work. How can you keep pursuing my career as an artist and then he-he-he was thinking about balance, you know. He was teaching a school out of time.

00:27:53.680 - 00:28:11.380

And then he enjoyed—he just go jogging and the dog, and he just make it. And I feel like I need–I need to think about balance between how can I dealing with some pressure, you know? So that's why I took yoga class and I just go swimming and

00:28:11.380 - 00:28:26.200

even I play the board, you know, to reduce my stress. And when I met different area people, they really admiring my work and my-my practice, you know. When he doing some, you know, same category and same era,

00:28:26.320 - 00:28:39.640

it seems like they just, you know, competing and, you know, who gonna do better and now and like this and kind of some tension when I speak with them. So sometimes I need it. Sometimes I need critique, you know, insight,

00:28:39.680 - 00:28:55.870

you know, interact the people. But–but also I need more release my stress without, you know, achieving–achieving and, you know, profit. So that's why I feel like I need some balance.

00:28:55.900 - 00:29:10.300

Luckily I make good friend of mine even. I did a couple of residencies and then I make—some of them really inspiring me. They really working hard. Different aspect. And then by some point, you know.

00:29:11.270 - 00:29:25.580

No matter what they're achieving, and better not, I feel like without ignoring people and without hang out—even some character, really tough and really challenging. And how can I deal in that situation?

00:29:25.790 - 00:29:40.670

Someone really competitive person. I feel like really, you know, they're bothering and I feel like some tension. And I mean, as an intern full time, definitely winning some, you know, energy, motivation,

00:29:40.670 - 00:29:57.340

you know, but at some point some artists really challenging, you know, in terms of, you know, like, the time and speak with them. So—but some people really a friend of mine and really friendly encouragement they look up, you know, positive way.

00:29:57.350 - 00:30:10.880

And when I was doing residency at the Archie Bray, you know, which means, you know, there was a number one, you know, artists in the States, even the world, I believe so. And–and one day she said, actually,

00:30:11.870 - 00:30:20.490

why so worry about you? So you've been good job. You know, you make a lot of work and you've been selling well, you know why so worry about your future, you know?

00:30:20.490 - 00:30:33.830

And then I feel like, you know, without grateful, without thankful. I feel like most of my concern about future and even, you know, I'm not good at it yet. I need to do more than this, something like that.

00:30:33.830 - 00:30:46.970

So I feel like I trained by that work ethic. It's been a good time to, you know, enhance my skill set, you know, make better work. But at the same time, I feel like I forgot how to play,

00:30:47.090 - 00:31:01.070

you know, I forgot hang out with the student-I mean, with a friend, you know, rest of the time. That's why intentionally I just go to the walk or ride a bike, you know, one time a day or two times a day.

00:31:01.220 - 00:31:14.830

So I don't see I thinking too much. Okay. It's time to do something else. That's why I just go to, you know, work out or do something else in the studio.

00:31:15.130 - 00:31:29.670

So—because, you know, creating the studio actually, you know, all day spend time in the studio, you know, just I don't want to, you know, living in prison. Sometimes I feel like the tension inside the building.

00:31:29.670 - 00:31:43.530

So that's why I just wanna go outside, do something else, and then bring a refreshing, you know? So that's the good way to balance. So while just working on actually, I turn on the music

00:31:43.530 - 00:31:59.190

sometime, listen to music in YouTube channel and sometimes podcast. And most of the time, you know, sitting on the chair and, you know, do something, you know, making and drawing, carving all day long. So sometimes I just talk to on the

00:31:59.190 - 00:32:11.300

phone with my friend and then how are you? And then, you know, just chatting sometime bring energy. So yeah, that's why I need, you know, how can I keep doing this, you know?

00:32:11.300 - 00:32:25.910

That's why sometime up, sometime down. And then I feel like, you know, that's why I'm trying to balance, you know, that's why it depends on my schedule sometime really busy. You know, I couldn't make all my time,

00:32:25.910 - 00:32:41.580

but no matter what schedule going on, I just wanna go outside, do something else. Other than that, you know, because, you know, I've been thinking a lot, you know, building my own, you know, career and working hard as I can.

00:32:41.580 - 00:32:55.410

But at the same time, I feel really tired, you know? So especially since the pandemic, you know, I feel like if I feel sick, what's the meaning, you know? Even I got succeed, if I get money, if–if I feel sick,

00:32:55.440 - 00:33:12.690

you know, so that's what, you know, change and set my priority to shift, you know. So just working hard, money, fame and finding myself in, you know, good opportunity, for example, to be a professor or,

00:33:12.690 - 00:33:31.570

you know, full time, you know, artist, you know, but I feel like life goes unexpectedly and so-and then after get married, you know, totally change my life. So that's why I'm moving to New Hampshire and she

00:33:31.580 - 00:33:44.610

teaching the school. And I'm just, you know, working the studio. So I feel like a good balance between two of us. And so I feel really thankful. So my friends and teachers, even my, you know,

00:33:44.690 - 00:33:56.770

wife. So, yeah. So you feel like currently you have, like, a little bit better balance than before? Yes. Of course. [IK: So] Yeah.

00:33:56.770 - 00:34:06.490

Go ahead. So, like, how does-how do you think, like, that-those kinds of feelings, like, sort of translate into your art? Like, so for example, like, if you're in, like,

00:34:06.490 - 00:34:19.540

a low point then, like, how does that shape your art? And if you're, like, at a high point, like, with good balance, then how is that, like, sort of influence your art? Because I've seen, like, a lot of–a lot of your art on your portfolio.

00:34:19.690 - 00:34:31.730

And, like, I can tell there was, like, an evolution of sorts and like, you know, there's, like, the vases, of course. And then there's, like, the sculptures as well. And I just noticed, like, an evolution, like, growing more, you know,

00:34:31.780 - 00:34:51.730

detailed. A lot of them having, like, different like, imagery. Like, was it animals, people and, like, different shapes. So I just wanted to ask a little bit more about your art. Okay, let me explain about when I back to right after grad

00:34:51.730 - 00:35:08.870

school, I did a lot of experiment. Even though I was thinking when I grad school first semester, I still remember, you know, I know what–what's my strength. My work, I can–I can make pot– big pot easily because

00:35:08.870 - 00:35:23.310

I trained the, you know, apprenticeship with even I worked at the factory in the studio in Korea. So I really, you know, good at it, I know that. And—but at the same time, when I decided to study in the States,

00:35:23.310 - 00:35:40.410

you know, in terms of the marketplace, I think best market in the–in the world. So that's why how can I enhance my skill and how—I mean, sorry, how can find a good opportunity to sell my work? And that's why I just, you know, enhance my own

00:35:40.410 - 00:35:52.980

strengths, which means, you know, I can do 2D and 3D so I can draw, I can make. So that's why by working together, it's going to be a good way. But at some point, you know, my faculty, they keep,

00:35:53.010 - 00:36:06.670

you know, pushing away you out of the comfort zone, you know. Why not try more experiment than, you know, this. So at the first review, I feel like, you know, okay, I try to more experiment and then this and then

00:36:06.670 - 00:36:22.410

that's why I just tried to set my own goal. Even semester going on, I should be taking classes, I should teaching and do something for the school like that. And secondly, actually, I was in a three year program,

00:36:22.410 - 00:36:34.740

so, you know, second year I was changing everything that I want. That means change clay body, change, you know, temperature, change aspect. So that's why I took painting and drawing classes.

00:36:34.740 - 00:36:50.430

And even I try to collaborate with, you know, fabric press. So bring new perspective. And, you know, it was worth it to try find out, you know, how can develop how can—not hugely innovate but

00:36:50.430 - 00:37:07.300

somehow enhancing. And you know, you know how can be more creativity. So I feel like, you know, no one could make, you know, 100% of something new. So I feel like, you know, okay, I feel like more combined new ideas,

00:37:07.300 - 00:37:17.830

you know, try to even—I try to collaboration with, you know, previous my work. That's another way collaboration. And what good time to experiment.

00:37:17.830 - 00:37:31.110

And right after school I feel like, I need to sell my work, you know. It feels like real life going on, you know? How can I be survive? And how can I keep doing this?

00:37:31.110 - 00:37:46.770

So that's why I produced some, you know, small utilitarian pottery, but also try to develop all my body work, you know, to, you know, build my strong portfolio, you know, to apply, you know, award and some,

00:37:46.800 - 00:38:03.990

you know, grad school-I mean, the sorry—teaching opportunity and even the abroad residency programs that I want to go. So anyway, so that's why I start with drawing and painting. And then I feel like when I do, you know, working in clay,

00:38:04.110 - 00:38:17.730

I've been thinking about gravity, thickness and, you know, maybe and height, something like that in terms of scale and some, you know, characters. But—and I do doodling and drawing, I feel like no limitation.

00:38:17.730 - 00:38:28.200

So that's why I try to combine together. And I put it out for space. So I have to make that piece. You know, I–I got really good feedback from my,

00:38:28.230 - 00:38:41.010

you know, friends and some of teachers. So I feel like, you know, okay, I like that idea. And then I just keep doing this. That's the happen and I just keep doing this.

00:38:41.010 - 00:38:56.050

So no matter—depending on where am I and who met, I feel like changing my subject. And then since the pandemic, my watching, you know, a lot of Netflix and—supposed to be one genre.

00:38:56.440 - 00:39:12.170

Supposed to be comedy, supposed to be reward and some thriller like that. And romance. But you know, multimix it, you know. That's why if I attract, how can I hold the intention by people?

00:39:12.170 - 00:39:25.100

So that's why, you know, for example, if I creating storytelling through the space, you know, okay, you are the main character. You got a sub, you got extras, you got background. That's why blending together.

00:39:25.370 - 00:39:39.920

And I don't wanna seeing happen, you know, someone who, okay, oh, I saw this work already. It's good. That means, you know, in terms of subject matter. And if I feel like, you know, easy to read, that means-you to

00:39:39.920 - 00:39:52.640

understand that, that means you to interact with the people, but at the same time, it's too boring. And I don't wanna make that. And also if I too complicate, too abstract, I feel

00:39:52.640 - 00:40:05.140

like, hard to understand, you know, that's why if it's like—exactly 50. You know, I'm not 100% American, 100%—I mean, I'm Korean, but living in State.

00:40:05.140 - 00:40:22.060

But at the same time, I've been thinking about my identity, you know, so that's why, you know, certain states and even my work too, not 100% realistic, not 100% abstract. So that's why I bring more tension,

00:40:22.060 - 00:40:38.470

you know, and that's why some of the abstract form coming up, you know, to—oh, bring some curious, you know, curiosity, my work. So that's why it just blending together. And so I've been thinking about, you

00:40:38.470 - 00:40:53.920

know, in terms of shape, in terms of the, you know, surface decoration. I just keep want to develop. So it's been a good way because I've got through a lot of award and a lot of opportunities, and even selling goes well,

00:40:53.920 - 00:41:08.710

so which is good. And without that happen, I might be back Korea even without, you know, my wife, I might be thinking, you know, living abroad, you know, when I pursuing the, you know, school in education career.

00:41:09.600 - 00:41:22.240

He was, will carry that because, that time, I just said set the goal, you know? I needed something else. So—but—out of school, it seems like, you know,

00:41:22.270 - 00:41:35.620

it's just like, do your life. So that's why no one—you know, if I, you know, borrow some, you know, even one box, you know—someone who's going to, you know, borrow it to me and then I don't know.

00:41:35.620 - 00:41:51.770

So that's why I feel like—I feel really desperate to sell my work and get our opportunities, so—but also, you know, to keep doing these, you know, and I was all my career in Korea. I just producing onggi and, you know, simple,

00:41:52.130 - 00:42:07.270

you know, object and lately I just doing crazy drawing than, you know, in Korea. So I feel like–I feel like people in education system, people in, you know,

00:42:07.270 - 00:42:19.020

culture, you know, Asian countries—we just think about together, working together because, you know, we growing up with different culture, you know, farming, you know, working together. And it's more living in small town.

00:42:19.020 - 00:42:30.850

But in the States, you know, huge country. And you know, that's why they will think about, you know, themselves than us. So—and also I feel like

00:42:32.110 - 00:42:47.380

they seem to be trying to more find their own voice that's trying to find the colors, you know? And when I was in Korea, you know, I just trying to be something—someone else. And—but I–I feel like, you know,

00:42:47.860 - 00:43:00.850

there's no–there's no–no way perfect place, you know. So that's why I try adapt and accept, you know, good thing you know, my culture. And now I'm living in State.

00:43:00.850 - 00:43:15.040

So that's why I'm thinking about how can I balance, you know, so my work will actually, you know, same story, you know, and then even based on hugely influenced by my generation(?) Politics, you know, traditional ceramic in Korea,

00:43:15.070 - 00:43:25.960

even bring my memory and arti-artistic practice for at the same time, I try to bring contemporary voice. That means, you know what I'm doing now? You know, what's the meaning of the time?

00:43:25.960 - 00:43:40.900

So that's why, you know, play with them. So that's why I'm looking forward to–to seeing how can develop keep doing this. So that's why, you know, I used to actually sketch first and try to make publicly. But at some point, you know,

00:43:41.260 - 00:43:56.320

I feel tired. And also I believe my own instinct. And also if it's like, you know, keeping diary, that's another way too, in terms of keep doing this, you know. That means, you know, I try to allow my weakness and

00:43:56.320 - 00:44:16.630

my excellent and sometime I feel like really satisfying—sometime, you know, not. But I feel like, y-you know, that's why I need more breathing point, you know, 70 or 60% trying to make some plan, but 30 and 20 and

00:44:16.810 - 00:44:29.520

let's see how it goes. You know, that's the good balance. And that's my own stra-strategy, you know, to keep doing this. So for example, when I have a plan to, you know,

00:44:29.530 - 00:44:43.320

parasail and coming up sail or coming sail, I just, you know, make for sail or some, you know, plan. And sometime—at the same time, you know, I just created on my work. That means, you know, I just want to play, you know?

00:44:43.320 - 00:45:02.150

Other than that, you know, I used to hundred percent make a plan. You know, I just want to put some more than this and then keep developing my work. But I feel like, you know, without that time, I–I feel like I can find meaning, you know,

00:45:02.170 - 00:45:18.440

why keep doing this? So all of my career, actually. Definitely, I need more time, you know, to learn, you know. That's why I accept my, you know, experience through the—I mean, I decided to learn

00:45:18.440 - 00:45:28.910

from my teachers and some of [unintelligible] fellows, even other artists. That's why I'm trying to do. But at the same time, now it-it's time. It's time to go my way.

00:45:28.910 - 00:45:42.710

So I don't know. It depends on who they are, and who am I, you know, different. But I feel like, you know, after change my mind, you know, I feel more freedom. I feel more happy than before.

00:45:42.710 - 00:45:58.440

So, yeah, that's the—I need more self-esteem and keep look up the bright side. So that's why I'm trying to do. So I'm hearing that you went from like, more a re—more rigid and like,

00:45:58.460 - 00:46:15.300

traditional way of, like making your art to like a free and like, you know, sort of like contemporary way of making your art. So—so can you, like, tell me, like, do you think there's anything, like lost

00:46:15.330 - 00:46:28.380

when you sort of like, transition from, like a more traditional style to a more contemporary style? Because like, onggi is like sort of like a Korean traditional pot, right? Like for keeping in like kimchi or other–other things.

00:46:28.750 - 00:46:39.750

So like—because I've seen a lot of them as well. And then like I've seen your art as well and it's like very similar, but then it's also very colorful. It seems very like a lot more contemporary.

00:46:39.750 - 00:46:50.070

So do you think there's something lost in that culture, or do you think it's like sort of improving upon it, I guess. As for art. I think I–I like the question.

00:46:50.070 - 00:47:05.230

You know, I've been thinking a lot, you know, what's the meaning, you know, of my work? Because, you know, I love my [unintelligible] ceramics, you know, buncheong, blue celadon in porcelain,

00:47:05.260 - 00:47:20.980

you know, onggi–onggi is my home, actually, my—big part of my life. So when I just make onggi in Korea. Just, you know, I didn't think about that much.

00:47:21.100 - 00:47:33.850

But at some point I–I did make too much. So I lose some motivation. If I want to sell, do the onggi, I feel like I can do that easily, actually.

00:47:33.850 - 00:47:46.950

So since I've been here, you know, if I can make onggi, I feel like I don't need to go grad school, you know? Just if I set up a studio, if I make–make onggi and sell the onggi, I think it's good. And also, I couldn't expect that.

00:47:46.950 - 00:48:04.540

It spre-spread out the—exposed by Korean culture. Even four years or seven years ago, even ten years ago when I was in–in Montana. So they just recognized that, "Oh, where are you come from? China, even Japan, you know, they don't know exactly where is

00:48:05.200 - 00:48:17.260

Korea. Even if I say Korea and North Korea, you know, they just, you know, know about the NPR news, you know, it spoke about nuclear and Kim Jong Un. That's it. Most of American you know, think about that way.

00:48:17.290 - 00:48:32.350

But—and Psy, and some Korean artists, even the, you know, K-pop, K-beauty, K-drama. And it is like, you know, wow. I was really, extremely surprised that happened.

00:48:32.360 - 00:48:45.220

You know, even Korean food, you know. If I say kimchi and then most of American, they know that. You know, a lot of, you know, Vietnam, Thai food and Chinese and sushi restaurant, even the Korean is very popular in the State.

00:48:45.230 - 00:48:59.530

So I'm really proud of that. So—and also, I think that's why I feel like I just putting my own heritage in and bring different voices. That's why I try to combine like bibimbap, you know?

00:48:59.530 - 00:49:15.250

That's why I'm trying to do. And that's the way to distinguish my work. That's why I'm thinking, you know, but at some point, it's been a good way to recognize my work. And—because I'm only master and even—and

00:49:15.250 - 00:49:28.270

also since we study here, you know, I have tried creating on my stories, you know, that's the exactly, you know, combine different aspects, you know, different prospect. Traditional, contemporary onggi and, you know,

00:49:28.270 - 00:49:46.410

different drawing and painting, you know, decoration. And—but at the same time, if I want to really authentic make onggi, I need back to, you know, back to normal. That means, you know, if I want to share in Korean culture and sell

00:49:46.410 - 00:50:00.000

the onggi, I should just make onggi and, you know, apply glazing without decoration that much. So—and also, I was thinking a lot, how can I develop all my shape in terms as an artist.

00:50:00.000 - 00:50:14.010

So if I—if I were just onggi maker, I will not worry about that. I just, you know, easy to make. You know, I've been trade, you know, almost about 20 years, you know. But if I feel like, you know, creating on my story and

00:50:14.130 - 00:50:27.660

on my shape that I want, I feel like I need more think about that way. So that's why I try to exactly clear two track, you know. If I sell the onggi, involved onggi industry even, you know, sharing my experience.

00:50:27.690 - 00:50:43.530

That's why I'm really happy to—when I do onggi workshop, you know. And in terms of academia, someone really interesting about in terms of making skill because I took two apprenticeship, you know, which is really rare case, most of them only one

00:50:44.220 - 00:50:55.770

appren-apprenticeship. Even just a few, you know, not many of them, but only–only I think I had experience like that. So in terms of education, when I worked in the school,

00:50:55.770 - 00:51:07.880

I show how to make a slab and the coil like that and even, you know, make a onggi, you can apply onggi glazing, that's it. But in term of education, you know, I just want to how innovate, how can I approach differently.

00:51:08.160 - 00:51:23.400

So that's why I show, you know carving and drawing them, that my idea. So this is more my strength. My work. And–and that's why I just set up my studio. And if I want to sharing all my experience in the onggi culture,

00:51:23.400 - 00:51:41.130

in kimchi and some soybean paste, I just want to make onggi and then, you know, promote it. So in the—in terms of marketplace, in terms of sales going on, onggi is—some are better because a few artists make it. And even I'm Korean, even I'm a onggi

00:51:41.130 - 00:51:51.450

master from Korea. So that means, you know, guaranteed, you know? Made in Yeonsoo? Authentic onggi, right. Even some of the American, you know, they make onggi,

00:51:51.540 - 00:52:06.180

you know, but it seems like, you know, that's what they're wondering, you know, am I stay here or back to Korea? They concerning about me because, you know, if I keep promoting the onggi, there might be trouble, you know, in terms of competing with that

00:52:06.180 - 00:52:19.080

kind of same business, right. So—but for me, in terms of, artists, you know, I need more motivation, you know, some point. Definitely I need to make–make money for living.

00:52:19.080 - 00:52:30.480

So that means I need to sell my work. But at the same time, I need to bring some motivation. What do I really want to do? And that means I also want to creating more distinguish

00:52:30.480 - 00:52:44.250

my work. That means I just want to creating different shape and different expression. So that's why I come with some new, fresh ideas. And at the same time, you know, the sales going on, some, you know, exhibition going on.

00:52:44.250 - 00:52:59.000

So that's why, you know, I feel like–I feel like—I can do make onggi and some of the gallery and some of the sculpture, even I can do painting. I feel like I really trained by not only academia but also,

00:52:59.000 - 00:53:11.400

you know, studio setting. So that's why this is my strength. But at the same time, I needed–I needed more, you know, think about, you know, the focus or how can I

00:53:11.400 - 00:53:23.220

manage it? You know, if–if I can do that onggi, something like that, you know, someone might be recognizing that, "wow, you know, Yeonsoo, he's so talented. You know, he can do everything." But at the same time,

00:53:23.340 - 00:53:39.090

in terms of, you know, promoting and marketplace, they might be needing more recognized 1 or 2 items. You know, that's why I'm thinking in terms of how can more better. But I don't know, it seems like, you know—but I'm no—I'm sure,

00:53:39.090 - 00:53:55.950

you know. Onggi, you know, comfort zone for me. So that's why I'm trying to do, put together something and then definitely make it. But, you know, but I need try to more putting motivation to make my

00:53:55.950 - 00:54:08.670

work. So that's been thinking of a lot and then let's see how it goes. But definitely I love my culture and make onggi. So that's why sometimes I just want to make onggi.

00:54:09.240 - 00:54:25.910

And also I feel like it's very meaningful for me. You know, only a few people make that. So that's why all my career and it's been busy for setting my, you know, goal and reaching the

00:54:25.940 - 00:54:42.040

goal and aim to higher and working hard and then, you know, to build my strong resume and professional career. But I feel like—I feel tired in terms of never ending. And also I feel like I need—like I said, I need deeper motivation.

00:54:42.290 - 00:54:54.100

How–how and what's the reason keep doing this? In term of educator, in term of artist, you know, or you know, what else. So I feel like, you know, through the onggi shop and through onggi

00:54:54.130 - 00:55:08.410

marketing I feel like, you know, it's a good way to, you know, sharing my experience and–and knowledges and, you know, explain about my culture and experience, you know, even sharing my own failures, you know,

00:55:08.410 - 00:55:23.280

to the–to the different generation, next generation, right? And—but also I need motivation. That means I just want to make a more bigger one. And with some crazy drawing and also different [unintelligible] shape.

00:55:23.290 - 00:55:39.200

That's why I've been thinking lately. So yeah. So where do you get that inspiration from? And like that motivation because like, there seems to be like a lot of things going on with your art. And I want to know, like what goes through your mind.

00:55:39.220 - 00:55:52.870

What kind of story you're trying to tell with it. I hugely influenced by surrealism. Dali is—Dali and Picasso and some Magritte, and I love them.

00:55:53.050 - 00:56:10.570

I love somehow—I didn't actually all my career really into realist drawing and some Impressionism artists. And—but at some point, some realism bring me ideas and, you know, insight to creating and even some of Korean artists,

00:56:10.570 - 00:56:28.630

you know, Jang Wook Jin and some—who else? Park Su Geun and even the Lee Jung Suk and some drawing and, you know, and I love that. I love the childish–childish and want to draw and and

00:56:29.200 - 00:56:48.290

that's why I love Goon Cha(?) And the simplicity and the abstract drawing going on and—but also some of the big name, actually, you know, what else I'm talking are...

00:56:48.290 - 00:57:01.760

a lot of artists going on in my heart and in–in my head. But yeah, Su Geun is one of my big inspiration. And also–I

00:57:01.760 - 00:57:16.810

saw his...Sorry, and I just say, you know, African Mask was a big inspiration and I somehow—that touched my heart and I can see their spirit.

00:57:16.860 - 00:57:34.280

You know, so that's why I'm trying to make more touchable and putting some, you know, spirit within my work. So and also in terms of softer metal, you know. I feel like as you're growing up, I pretend somehow.

00:57:34.280 - 00:57:43.300

That's what we describe. You know, we ha–we have different masks. You know, some of her friends–friend, close friend. And we just, you know, you know, the face different.

00:57:43.300 - 00:57:56.980

And then somehow working on some, you know, company and, you know, business. And then we just try to be more gentle like that. A lot of, you know, wearing masks. And that's when thinking of a lot in terms subject,

00:57:56.980 - 00:58:15.690

you know, and lately I feel like, you know, putting insight on new generation. Even someone who's working on new technology and even 3D printer and some AI, and they're

00:58:15.690 - 00:58:33.060

working differently because I trained by handmade and tradition craftsmanship in Korea. So new generation, new technology and bring new perspective and laser cutting, CNC, and different technology, you know, bring insight and also challenging,

00:58:33.060 - 00:58:49.260

you know. Somehow I tried to analog senses with the tech—new technology that I'm trying to do, but–but at the same time, I still love handmade, I love hand-craftsmanship and, you know, touch the clay and make something, so

00:58:50.590 - 00:59:05.470

yeah. Some new generation, you know, [unintelligible] they—you know, different approach of ceramics and some of them, you know, create huge sculpture they've been working on, you know, Stephanie and something going on.

00:59:05.470 - 00:59:19.870

Some of my friends, they're making crazy work. So I hugely impressed by them. And that's why I try to build my own, you know, work to do.

00:59:19.870 - 00:59:34.870

So that's the—my big question. How can I keep, you know, develop my work and–and also when I'm watching the movie and listening to music, even, you know, YouTube channel, you know, sometime I can see some insights.

00:59:34.870 - 00:59:51.330

Even intentionally, I'm trying to watch different channel then used to. That means, you know, I really into art field and what's going on even, you know, people on media and different genres. But I feel like whenever meeting new, different people

00:59:51.510 - 01:00:04.710

and I learn more than this and even, you know, I used to—you know, art, I know how to draw, how to working with wood, metal, jewelry, and fabric, glass, things like that.

01:00:04.710 - 01:00:16.290

But I don't–I don't exactly what you want to, you know, fashion industry, even different, you know, you know, film making like that. Even I love into animation like this.

01:00:16.290 - 01:00:29.640

So—but, you know, I feel like, you know, most creative TV's most personal. I like the expression quote from, you know, Martin Scorsese, who is the famous director.

01:00:29.650 - 01:00:45.260

So I li—love, you know, one of my favorite hobby actually watching movie. So if I'm directing, how can I create my own storytelling, you know? All the—and video and some climax and some—how can I ending scenes going on?

01:00:45.260 - 01:00:59.400

So I don't know. You know, we have different perspective on, you know, ideas and—but I feel like if I go somewhere, if I'm meeting some-some-someone who, you know, friend and then if I pop up my new fresh idea and I write down

01:00:59.910 - 01:01:14.190

and I always, you know, listen and looking for some information and insights. So—and also hearing influenced by environment, people, even my background, even my, you know,

01:01:14.760 - 01:01:29.430

previous memory. That's why I just keep holding–holding the sketchbook sometime, you know, writing and recording, even. And I—when I slip in some fresh idea and then just, you know, you know, open the memo and, you know,

01:01:29.460 - 01:01:47.690

writing some, you know, simple sentence and—that's why I'm trying to do. And also if I go some shopping and some, you know, I just wanted to trending and market place and something like that. So, yep. That's why I'm trying to do.

01:01:47.690 - 01:02:00.650

And most artists actually concerning about how can we more creativity. You know, I feel like combine ideas, you know. That's why I love the collage, you know, and also I just creating more layered, you know.

01:02:00.650 - 01:02:15.110

So what is this? You know, what's that? And also lately I'm thinking about more this kind of feeling. "Wow, wow. What–what is this?" Like this. So if–if I seeing that happen through my work I feel like more successful.

01:02:15.500 - 01:02:25.400

You know, if I see my work and then, "Mhm. Okay, I know that. Okay. I've already seen that." I do not want that happen. So that's why I'm trying to do.

01:02:25.400 - 01:02:38.530

That's why I really into, you know, decoration and painting, you know, crazy going on. I'm not used to that, you know, as a Korean. So I feel like too much going on, you know.

01:02:38.530 - 01:02:55.010

But in terms of exploring something, you know, I trying to one more step, you know. I just focusing on shape first and then decoration and then layered and even adding more colors and even

01:02:55.010 - 01:03:08.690

applying more glazing and more processing. It might be bringing new perspective, you know, deeper ideas. So that's why I try to, you know, shape of, you know, decoration and storytelling.

01:03:08.720 - 01:03:24.020

You know, how it goes. You know, I just keep, you know, back and forth and you know, so.. yeah, I'm working on it, so I don't know what I'm going to do next, but I feel like I just want to keep doing this and find something.

01:03:24.040 - 01:03:34.810

Yeah. I definitely understand that because I'm like into creative writing. So I kind of understand what like what you're doing as well. Like sort of like the creative processes [YK:

01:03:34.810 - 01:03:50.470

Uh huh.] trying to find inspiration. Like a lot of different things. I personally listen to a lot of music. So a lot of inspiration. Do you have like a favorite piece of art that you've made? Like—[YK: Make what?] favorite piece of art.

01:03:50.500 - 01:04:03.090

Like, is there one that stands out like, as like, the best one that you think you made or like, the one that you like the most? Mm. I feel like the best one come to an end.

01:04:03.110 - 01:04:30.360

Not yet, but I feel like I bring one painting...So that's just, you know, doodling, sketching, not, you know, color that much, but that ideas, you know, from my, you

01:04:30.360 - 01:04:47.840

know, sketchbook and also. One ceramic piece. And go with the sketch like this. So...

01:04:47.840 - 01:05:03.160

I feel like, you know, like I said, you know, I want to make functional pottery like onggi and some utilitarian pottery, at the same time I just want to create my, you know, work in terms of, you know, sculpture or,

01:05:03.170 - 01:05:18.950

you know, whatever. And—but also, yeah, I just want to paint–painting and drawing. So that's why I want to try it even exactly, different categories. So depends on your sc—when—which schedule coming

01:05:18.950 - 01:05:37.020

up first. We are do sketching and drawing if it's like, you know... Just—I just start, you know, from the–the 1 to 5, 1 to 6. And then sometime, you know, I just set the time and just

01:05:37.020 - 01:05:50.250

throwing it on, I feel like, you know, sometimes I was surprising. When did–did I, you know, we're going to this. And then that's why I just keep doing this. You know, sometimes it looks like, you know, child is drawing and

01:05:51.630 - 01:06:05.000

that time bringing more insight. Insight and new ideas and–and sometime I write—writing some, you know, my thoughts and ideas.

01:06:05.000 - 01:06:19.020

So if it's like this, the more natural. So that's why I try to creating the canvas. So—and I just want to keep doing this. So, I don't know.

01:06:19.050 - 01:06:33.670

The Picasso, you know, Magritte, the end of the career, they're really into ceramics. I feel like ceramics, you know, 2D and 3D. We can both. So that's why I lo—I love it.

01:06:33.720 - 01:06:47.040

I like it. So, you know, never ending story like this. So sometimes a little frustrating. That's why I love it. You know, if I could make easily, I–I might be trying something different, you know,

01:06:47.040 - 01:07:02.040

or just, you know, give up or do something else, but still challenging, you know, working with clay and that's why I like it. That's why I love with working with, you know, 2D and 3D. So.

01:07:03.120 - 01:07:20.860

Yeah. And also, you know. I'd like—if I, you know, painter, you know, I feel like different. If I feel onggi master, onggi ma—worker—I feel like different. So that's why I tried to back and forth and—yeah,

01:07:20.860 - 01:07:39.840

I'm—exciting, yeah. Keep doing this. You've also said that you've been to like a lot of different places. So like, you know, you've been in Korea and then you moved to—I forgot—South Carolina, you said? Or—[YK: North Carolina.] North Carolina and then Houston and then now

01:07:39.840 - 01:07:54.770

you're in New Hampshire. Right? So. Actually, you know, I was in Atlanta, Georgia–Atlanta, Georgia, for four years. Before grad school, I was in Montana.

01:07:55.950 - 01:08:12.660

Year and half. And I was a prospect. And then right after graduation, I went to S.P., which is the Florida. One year and right after I was in Montana for, you know, two more years.

01:08:13.700 - 01:08:29.870

So pretty much my experience living in Montana four years, and Atlanta, Georgia, nearby Atlanta four years, and our grad school. Supposed to be three years program, but, in order to get active visa,

01:08:29.870 - 01:08:45.000

I sp—extend my graduation. So that means I was there for four years. Four years in Georgia, four years Montana, one year Florida.

01:08:45.240 - 01:08:58.840

And one year, actually Houston. And this summer, actually, I was in North Carolina. So I'm here, you know, New Hampshire. So yeah, ten years gone and then I don't know what happened,

01:08:58.840 - 01:09:11.710

but yeah, I just moving around, you know. East, west, east, west. And at this time, east. I don't know how long stay here, you know, or back to Korea.

01:09:11.710 - 01:09:25.910

But if it's like a nomadic life, you know, to new experience, it's a good time to exploring. But at the same time I feel really—real tired. I just I don't want to move more than this, but life goes that way.

01:09:25.970 - 01:09:35.760

So. Yeah. Yeah. So you've been to, like, a lot of different places. Even more than I thought. [YK: Yeah.] So what–what have you, like, learned from this?

01:09:35.760 - 01:09:48.530

Like, have you gained, like, a lot of experience? Have you, like, met like different art communities and like, you know, met a lot of different people. What have you learned from them? Absolutely. You know, living in Georgia actually use,

01:09:48.700 - 01:10:04.440

you know, Korean society. That means it's a good way to access, you know, H-mart, you know. You know, I–I went to—I go to the Korean church. So that means I was in Korean society.

01:10:04.440 - 01:10:20.580

So it helps a lot to, you know, settle down. You know, I feel like, you know, be part of that. So which is good and—but the school actually really into time, you know spent time with

01:10:20.580 - 01:10:34.440

my—I'm on grad school—grad student and, you know, with the faculties, you know, the posting, my, you know, career. It was a good time too, you know? And right after school, you know, especially Montana really

01:10:34.440 - 01:10:48.060

eco-friendly nature environment. So not many people living there and totally exposed by nature like my, you know, use memory. So–so just good, you know, isolation sometimes really challenging but at

01:10:48.060 - 01:11:05.520

the same time a lot to focus, you know, what I'm doing. So that's why really good time to discover your own—my story and–and for the, you know influence and what I'm doing. So that's why sometime, you know, we need the isolation

01:11:05.640 - 01:11:21.410

and—but if I too much, you know, it's not the way but living in Montana really good time to, you know, practice in terms of studio setting, academia, education. But living in Houston, you know, a lot of multicultural,

01:11:21.410 - 01:11:37.130

you know, really engaging, you know, a lot of, you know, different background, you know, and also I love enjoying, you know, good restaurants in Houston, you know. A lot of fancy restaurants in Chinatown and Vietnamese,

01:11:37.130 - 01:11:49.300

Thai food and even Korean town. Yeah, I love it. I love the, you know, really big difference, even the weather difference, you know, environmental difference. But only I don't like heavy traffic, you know.

01:11:49.300 - 01:11:57.560

Everyday, you know, calculations and, you know, crazy drivers out there. And—but I used to live in Seoul. That means I used to that.

01:11:57.560 - 01:12:13.070

But still, you know, sometime kill—I don't want to killing on the road. Just two hours, you know, killing time on the road and then. But since we in New Hampshire, really productive time. So living in countryside, you know, I feel a little bit isolated,

01:12:13.070 - 01:12:29.870

but at the same time, alone too, you know, good—you know, my practice. So that's why as an artist, you know, need some isolation but also living in big city, huge influence by influence, you know, the people,

01:12:30.230 - 01:12:45.040

meeting new–new–new friends that bring different, you know, prospective and also allow to a lot of opportunities as an artist. So that's why I'm interested about contacts of galleries in the Boston area,

01:12:45.100 - 01:13:01.660

in New York. And, you know, so I try to creating and then try to contact with them. So that's my next–next plan. And the Montana huge ceramic community, which is good. And—but at the same time, if you don't like living in countryside,

01:13:01.660 - 01:13:16.930

it's going to be challenging, you know. No Korean community, no H-mart, you know, and you can work with, you know, some friends. But I feel like I feel isolated, so. Well it-it's a good time to suit your practice and,

01:13:16.930 - 01:13:35.420

you know, develop my own work, so. But I feel like, you know, New Hampshire, we drove to somewhere that means, you know, not huge s—town, but also not isolated, you know. It's Engl—I mean, New England,

01:13:35.430 - 01:13:51.050

you know, I can easy to access in Boston and Maine and Vermont, and—so I'm still figuring out. But it feels like, you know, it's been a good time to—four season and I feel like, you know, a visitor somewhere,

01:13:51.090 - 01:14:06.030

you know. Georgia, Montana, Houston. Somewhere, so. So far so—I like it. I like that way. And then—but I'm missing my friends, you know. I just living in, you know,

01:14:07.590 - 01:14:22.690

school town. So that's why, you know, and I need more time to meeting, you know, friends and—but—I just got here and then, yeah. Can't wait to see, you know, hang out with them and make new friends and, you know,

01:14:22.760 - 01:14:34.030

go somewhere. So. Yeah. So, like, can you, like, tell me a little bit about, like, your daily life now? Like now that, like you're in like a new place.

01:14:34.030 - 01:14:50.400

Sort of that–that changed what—how it compares to like, the–the different places you've been to. Yeah. I've been moving New Hampshire and right after that, I—actually last week I went to the—some pottery

01:14:50.400 - 01:15:07.470

sale and even I did some, you know, workshop at the Rochester RIT, and that's why I been busy. I couldn't make one selling—to the selling, even though the studio actually allow

01:15:07.470 - 01:15:24.900

first day of October. So I just, you know, unpacking and still going on during weekend. I just want to finish my setting the studio and then back to work. So I try to go work out first.

01:15:24.900 - 01:15:40.950

So I feel like, you know, I should—I need more physically, mentally, even spiritually and caring that, you know. After that I just want to working. That means, you know, I need a more demanding physical

01:15:40.950 - 01:15:59.940

work. So even it helps a lot to, you know, release stress. So that's why I just want to go work out regularly. And also 9 to 5, I just want to go there and then make some art. And then—and also definitely I just want to hang out with

01:15:59.940 - 01:16:14.580

my–my wife and sometime go cafe and go some restaurant. And that's why I'm doing it. And–and also December 1st, first week of December I do some ceramic sale going on.

01:16:14.580 - 01:16:31.700

So that's why I just want to producing the utilitarian pottery. So I–I made a home studio setting because three bedrooms. So one room actually, you know, always setting up the studio.

01:16:31.710 - 01:16:46.020

So that's why I throw some, you know, small size of items and then I just take rest on the table. So that's another sample going on. And then yeah, pretty much this month until that time I

01:16:46.020 - 01:17:01.860

just want to creating a lot, you know, of sales items, you know, from mug plate and circle and small size of items. That's my plan. And–and also I just want to creating some medium

01:17:01.860 - 01:17:13.550

size, you know, twen-twenty inches of height of, you know, sculpture. That's what I wanna making. And for the next–next fall—sorry,

01:17:13.550 - 01:17:31.020

next—yeah, April, my wife and I, we are having some show at the boarding school. So, whole sc-school—yeah, probably 40 minutes from here, so.

01:17:31.830 - 01:17:48.180

And then that's kind of it. Yeah, keep working on and through the project, so. So for the sake of time, I want to ask like one last question. So since I don't want to like, you know, go too much over time since this

01:17:48.180 - 01:18:00.270

interview is supposed to be around 90 minutes. So as an artist who's, like, starting to find your way, like you said, you're starting to, like, have a good balance. You're starting to figure out, like, what you really want to do. Is there

01:18:00.270 - 01:18:13.090

anything you want to say to, like, any, like, people who are, like, trying to become artists right now or like, people who are, like, not really finding their way yet? That's a good question, you know.

01:18:13.360 - 01:18:30.010

I think there is no right–right way and right answer, wrong answers. But some who really think about full time artists as—I mean, seriously and then I just say, "if you go that way, it's gonna okay with that." They might

01:18:30.010 - 01:18:45.760

be more concerning about future, worry about future and not sure about that. But if someone really enjoying what they're doing, that's the beauty. That's the more precious things. So no matter what they're achieving goal or not.

01:18:46.240 - 01:18:56.200

So that's, don't forget about that, you know. How special that moment. You know, it's going to be never bring back. So I didn't think about that much.

01:18:56.200 - 01:19:12.410

But I feel like no matter what they achieving dream and goal or not, most important actually, you know, putting—how vital that moment. So, you know, to make that happen, you know, I just want to include it in that.

01:19:12.410 - 01:19:25.390

You know, you can make it only yourself. You know, it's not wrong, just different. So that's why I just want to keep encouraging them. And, you know, rather than just keep pushing the way.

01:19:25.390 - 01:19:40.790

So, you know, because you know, my time being here, my all—and also my experience different than us. That's why it was my experience. That's why I don't want to this is right away.

01:19:40.800 - 01:19:55.170

This is the better way, you know. It's not, you know. Next generation and they might be a different situation. So—but I believe, you know, in terms of work ethic, if you love something,

01:19:55.170 - 01:20:08.010

if–if you want, it takes time. That's why you–you should try, you know, you need to try it, find out who and what you want to do. So if you find something you really want to do,

01:20:08.010 - 01:20:20.790

I feel like this is succeed. This is the happiest, you know. And no matter what going on, you know, hope to enjoy every single moment. And also, in addition, you know, I'll just say

01:20:20.790 - 01:20:35.790

there is no shortcut. You know, even I try to find, you know, better way, you know, without trouble, without failures. You know, we try to find a way. But you know what? I feel like, you know, sh—there is no shortcut.

01:20:36.060 - 01:20:49.900

You know. Who knows? You know, if you achieving dream, you know, earlier, someone, rarely, someone doesn't. But no matter what, how to find your own way. And then, you know, don't think about too much about,

01:20:51.100 - 01:21:03.590

you know, future. So—and just hope to enjoy every single moment. That's what—I'd love to say that. Yeah. I think your perspective has been very inspiring,

01:21:03.590 - 01:21:16.640

especially to me, who like trying to go into like a more artistic field, I guess, like writing, creative writing. So—through like history. So I think, yeah, just like your words and your story has been

01:21:16.640 - 01:21:29.150

very just like, you know, uplifting and seeing you also like trying to find success and like, you know, through this field, I think that's also very inspiring. So is there anything else you would like to share?

01:21:30.650 - 01:21:47.720

No, just—thank you for having me again, you know? And I also influenced by someone who really advanced and already mature and already professional career that I–that I—than me and then I feel like I want to be like them.

01:21:47.730 - 01:22:00.850

Oh, and someone works out, someone not. But no matter what, yeah. Yeah totally appreciate about that opportunity and, you know, experience and sharing my experience.

01:22:01.070 - 01:22:13.190

Someone tried to—hope to helping us and yeah. And be healthy and, yeah. Much appreciate the–the interview. Yeah. So.

01:22:14.240 - 01:22:21.860

Thank you–thank you so much for speaking with me today and interviewing and sharing your life story. So yeah, thank you. Thank you.