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LEE JIN-BOK
Lee Jinbok's ceramics are deeply rooted in the celadon green of Goryeo Pottery (고려청자) - the serene beauty of jade. Inspired by nature, her works embody her unique perspective through the forms and texture. Lee's works often incorporate the shapes of pine trees commonly found in Korea. The spouts, handles, lids, and bases of her teapots bend and curve with a natural irregularity. Their surfaces are coarse, with earthy tones reminiscent of wood. The artist reflects on her past, sharing that during times when life felt overwhelming, she drew strength from the resilient pine trees standing steadfast on the mountain slopes near her studio. By integrating personal experience and a portrait of nature into the unique textures and asymmetrical forms, Lee captures the spirit of resilience and endurance that is central to Korean culture and aesthetic.
"I tried not to miss a single moment in life. I struggled fiercely to live, giving it my all. And there were countless times I wanted to let go and run away. One day, as I looked at the mountain in front of my studio, on its steep corner, I noticed resilient pine trees clinging to life, refusing to fall.
Under the weight of my own struggles, I drew strength from those trees. That's how the old trees protected me. From them and from pottery marked by years of endurance, even today, I find the strength to carry on."
