Craft + Design Featured Artist: Breathing Onggi: Traditional Building

Join us for a day with Craft + Design's featured artist, Yeonsoo Kim as he demonstrates his use of traditional methods of making with contemporary surface. Kim utilizes the Onggi technique, a method unique in the world for slab, coil building large pots and forms. Traditionally born out of necessity in Korea, Onggi pots were and still are used today for food fermentation and storage. His works explore identity and psychological conditions through the processes of making and daily life.

Special Notes

• There will be an hour lunch break. Each of Yeonsoo's classes can be taken on their own; no need to sign up for both unless you want to. This class will be mainly demonstration and lecture, but there may be small amounts of participation. Firing is not included in this price, but students can utilize drop-off firing if they would like.
  
  Accessibility notes: Many artmaking processes require the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, fine motor skills/finger dexterity, repetitive motions, vision, and some amount of physical strength. VisArts values making classes accessible to everyone, and is always happy to work with students to make accommodations when possible. Please reach out to [email protected] with specific questions related to accessibility or accommodations.
  
  Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.
  
  
  

About the Instructor

Yeonsoo Kim

Yeonsoo Kim is a ceramic artist from Haenam, South Korea, currently based in the U.S. He earned a BFA from Hongik University and an MFA in ceramics from the University of Georgia. Deeply rooted in Korean ceramic traditions, Kim apprenticed with Onggi masters in Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do, shaping both his technique and artistic philosophy. His work has received national and international recognition, including being named one of NCECA’s Emerging Artists of 2020 and receiving Best in Show at the 2025 Smithsonian Craft Show. He has participated in residencies at institutions such as the Archie Bray Foundation, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and the Korea Ceramic Foundation. Kim’s practice explores the dialogue between tradition and contemporary form.

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