Lee Chang-Sook, born 1963 in South Korea, started her professional career as a ceramicist in the 1980s and is renowned for her excellent craftsmanship. Her artwork stems from nature and has been described by many critics as “peaceful” and “functional”. Moreover, her works have been exhibited and sold around the world, including in Japan, USA, UK and Canada. Recently, she has been selected to have a solo exhibition on Korean Moon Jar at the Korean Parliament due next year. Another accomplishment of hers was the honour to be a finalist for a selection of artworks that have been gifted to the Holy See in the Vatican City after Pope Francis's visit to South Korea.
Moreover, her works have been exhibited and sold around the world, including in Japan, USA, UK and Canada. Recently, she has been selected to have a solo exhibition on Korean Moon Jar at the Korean Parliament due next year. Another accomplishment of hers was the honour to be chosen as a finalist for a selection of artworks gifted to the Holy See in the Vatican City after Pope Francis's visit to South Korea.
Her philosophy revolves around the connection between dirt, the base material for ceramics, and the cycle of life. She explains:
“Dirt is available everywhere around us, but is different from region to region, and is constantly changing as time passes. And because of this, it is difficult to get the same results every time, but this is what gives it colour and life. As we turn back to dirt when we die, we can see that our life is condensed within this dirt. When this is fired, it produces a range of different colours, and this is what fascinates me about the material.”
Her recent work focuses on the Moon and the Sun as symbols of prayer and hope. In the past few years, she suffered from a rare disease, during which she experienced constant fear of death and relief to be alive. This personal experience became the motif for her recent inspiration; striving to find the meaning in life. These opposing celestial bodies represent the beginning of a new start, the will and the hope for life.