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Yoon Hee Kim | Episode 1244
Yoon Hee Kim is a Korean ceramic artist and educator based in the United States. Through Yoon Lab Ceramics, Yoon creates contemporary Moon Jars inspired by Korean heritage and nature. Yoon teaches wheel throwing internationally and online, helping potters create taller, stronger forms while sharing the mindfulness found through making.
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What is it about a moon jar that keeps pulling you back to want to make more?
For me, moon jars is a way to reconnect with my Korean heritage and learn about my ancestors and take pride in the traditions they left behind.
So there are round pots in the world. At what point does a round pot stop just being a round pot and become a moon jar? What makes a moon jar a moon jar?
So moon jars are traditionally made in two separate half-spheres joined together at the center, and the joining process creates a subtle asymmetries, and those imperfections are considered beauty of moon jar.
So imperfections are okay for a moon jar? That’s part of the characteristic of the actual form? Is that accurate to say then?
Yes.
Okay. What’s something that you would think most people who admire moon jars misunderstand about a moon jar?
Just like you said before, that a circular form with the opening rim is a moon jar.
Does it always have to be thrown in two pieces?
Not really, but traditionally, moon jars are considered a moon jar if there are about over 40 to 50 centimeters in height and width. which is about 16 to 20 inches. And because it’s so tall, it was difficult in the Joseon dynasty, which is late 17th to mid 18th century when it was first made. It was difficult for potters to make in one piece.
Do you follow the traditional method and always join 2 separate pieces together?
If I’m making large moon jars, yes.
Have you ever, have you ever had a moon jar come apart?
I never had a moon jar that came upon me.
What has the moon jar taught you that no other form has been able to teach?
It taught me to learn about my ancestors and have the pride in my traditions they left behind.
Book
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami,
Contact
Instagram: @yoonlab