Shaping Herself Through Clay: A Ceramic Artist's Journey

For two decades, ceramic artist Jeong Yu-jeong has immersed herself in the tactile world of clay, transforming it into art and building a pottery studio over the past 13 years. Initially drawn to visual design, her path led her to ceramics, where she has navigated the complex identity of being both an artist and a business owner. The struggle to maintain artistic integrity while ensuring the financial viability of her studio has been a constant challenge, yet her desire for independence has fueled her determination.

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I learned the preciousness of everyday life together with people who find small strength to endure a difficult day by touching clay.

Her journey has been marked by significant personal and professional hurdles. Starting from a small, one-desk space in graduate school, her studio moved through various locations, often facing the anxieties of operating in less-than-ideal environments. She recounts working late into the night after teaching classes during the day, surviving on minimal sleep and caffeine to meet exhibition deadlines. The fear of fire, stemming from a childhood trauma, made operating the kiln a daunting task, compounded by anxieties about the quality of the fired pieces and potential technical issues.

Despite the growing opportunities that came with exhibitions, her financial situation remained precarious, leading to moments of deep despair and even public weeping at loan counseling centers. A physical breakdown eventually taught her a crucial lesson: the necessity of rest for sustained effort. This realization prompted her to prioritize self-care to continue her lifelong pursuit of pottery.

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I learned the obvious fact that you cannot run for long without a break only after my body broke down.

Now operating from her studio in Seongbuk-dong, Jeong sees herself less as a solo artist and more as a facilitator, helping people create pottery that enriches their lives. Her work involves managing the endless tasks of studio operations, from handling clay and glaze variables to administrative duties, marketing, and kiln firing. Yet, amidst this demanding workload, she finds profound joy in witnessing others discover the value of their daily lives through pottery. She shares stories of clients with physical disabilities fulfilling their dream of using a potter's wheel, individuals finding solace in focused work, and couples celebrating milestones. Her commitment extends to researching sustainable practices, including developing glazes from discarded ceramics, all while striving to balance her personal artistic endeavors with the demands of running her studio.

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Clay quietly disciplines me and teaches me many things through people.