K-Interview: Jaeeun Kim (Ceramic Artist)

Interviewer: Deena Jasmine (Chikkmagaluru, Karnataka, India)

Editor: Khushi Vaid (Delhi, India)

Art comes in many forms, but for Jaeeun Kim, it’s a gentle way of connecting with herself, with others, and with the past. A ceramic artist from South Korea, popularly known on Instagram as @jaeeunceramics, is now based in London. Jaeeun’s journey with clay began as a creative pursuit and slowly grew into something deeper. Her time working with children with special needs introduced her to art therapy, opening up new ways to see and feel through making. 

Today, her handcrafted vases and sculptural pieces carry more than just form and color. They hold emotion, memory, and a sense of home. Drawing from the House-Tree-Person method used in art therapy, Jaeeun’s work invites us to pause, reflect, and engage with our emotions. 

At Hallyuism, we got an opportunity to step into Jaeeun’s world, where ceramics become a language of healing, and each piece tells a quiet, personal story.

Could you introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your journey with ceramics, how it all began, and what led you to where you are today? 

I’m Jaeeun Kim, a ceramic artist originally from South Korea and now based in the UK. My journey with ceramics began during my university years when I was searching for something that could fully express my creativity. I studied ceramics for both my BA and MA at Kyunghee University in Korea, and also had the chance to broaden my experience as an exchange student in the Czech Republic. After finishing my studies, I continued making ceramics in Korea. Later, after moving to the UK and once my children started school, I returned to ceramics with a renewed focus—this time, exploring smaller, functional pieces and gradually developing my concepts and techniques. 

Working with children with special needs must have been such a meaningful experience. How did that time shape the way you see art and approach your creative process today? 

That time changed the way I see art. I realized that creative expression is not about perfection. It’s about emotion, healing, and connection. Working with children who expressed themselves freely without worrying about the outcome taught me to embrace spontaneity in my work. It reminded me that art can be a powerful tool for comfort and communication. 

What made you explore art therapy alongside your ceramic work? Did it change the way you connect with your art? 

It started from my experience with those children. I saw firsthand how art could help people express feelings that are hard to put into words. That led me to explore art therapy concepts more deeply. It definitely changed the way I connect with my own work. Now, when I create, I think about not just the form but also the emotions that the piece might hold or bring out in others. 

Your vases are inspired by the House-Tree-Person (HTP) method from art therapy—that’s so unique! How did you come across this technique, and what made you incorporate it into your practice? 

I came across the HTP method while exploring art therapy. It’s a psychological approach where people are asked to draw a house, a tree, and a person, and through these drawings, their inner thoughts and feelings can emerge. I found this method fascinating and full of deep symbolism.

It made me reflect on how these three elements, “house, tree, and person,” represent our fundamental emotional needs: shelter, growth, and connection.

That’s how the concept naturally became part of my work, turning my vases into symbols of comfort, hope, and belonging. 

You often explore the idea of ‘home’ in your work. What does ‘home’ mean to you personally, and how do you express that feeling in your vases? 

For me, ‘home’ isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling of warmth, safety, and acceptance. As someone who moved far from my birthplace, I understand how important and sometimes fragile that feeling can be. Through my vases, I try to express the longing for home, the memories attached to it, and the warmth we carry with us wherever we go. Simple forms, soft textures, and warm, bright colors often reflect those feelings. 

Moving from South Korea to the UK is a significant life change. How has this journey influenced your creative process and the way you express yourself through art?

It was a big transition, and it definitely influenced my work. Being in a new country made me reflect more deeply on my identity and where I belong. That’s when the idea of ‘home’ became a recurring theme in my art. I also became more open to blending cultural influences, combining the calm minimalism often found in Korean aesthetics with more experimental approaches I encountered here in the UK. 

What challenges have you encountered on your journey, and how did you find ways to overcome them? 

There have been many challenges, moving to a new country, language barriers, and restarting my career after a break. But I found that patience and persistence are key. I allowed myself to take small steps, embraced the mistakes as part of learning, and stayed connected to the joy of creating. Over time, those small efforts built up into something meaningful. 

Could you describe your creative process? Do you begin with a clear idea, or does it evolve as you work with the clay? 

My creative process often starts with a memory rather than a clear idea. When I begin decorating my vases, I try to recall scenes from my childhood, like the journey back home from school.

I think about how the sky looked, the colors of the surroundings, and how I felt in those moments. This way, the design evolves naturally from these personal memories.

Sometimes it’s clear and vivid, and other times it’s more abstract. It’s a fluid process that makes me bring those feelings and images to life in each piece. 

You’ve showcased your work at some amazing places, like Sheen Pottery Gallery and Ceramic Art London. How do these exhibitions influence your work or the way you connect with people who see your art? 

Exhibitions give me a chance to see how people respond to my work directly, which is always inspiring. Sometimes people share their personal stories when they connect with a piece, and that reminds me why I do what I do. It’s not just about the object, it’s about the emotions and memories it stirs in others. 

Becoming a selected Member of the Craft Potters Association and exhibiting at Contemporary Ceramics is such a meaningful achievement. What did that recognition mean to you, both personally and creatively? 

It was a very special moment for me. As someone who started over in a new country, it felt like recognition of all the hard work and quiet efforts I had put in. Creatively, it encouraged me to keep pushing my ideas further and believe more in my own voice as an artist.

You’ve been honored in both Korea and the UK, including winning the public vote in Handmade in Britain’s ‘Identity’ competition. How have these moments shaped your journey or the way you see yourself as an artist? 

They gave me a sense of confidence and validation, especially during moments when I felt uncertain. Knowing that people connected with my work gave me the courage to keep going and trust my creative direction. 

Looking back on your journey so far, is there a moment, big or small, that felt especially meaningful or unforgettable for you as an artist? 

One moment that stays with me was when a visitor at an exhibition told me that one of my vases reminded her of her childhood home and brought back warm memories. That’s exactly the kind of emotional connection I hope for with my work, and hearing that felt very rewarding. 

Are there any upcoming exhibitions or pieces you’re currently working on that you’re excited about? We’d love to hear what’s coming next. 

I’m excited about my upcoming show with the POTFEST at Compton Verney. Several galleries will be featuring my work as well. I’m always contemplating new series, and even when I create new pieces, I’m never entirely certain how they’ll turn out because the firing process can always bring surprises. It’s thrilling to see the final results, and this ongoing process of discovery consistently leads to new creations. 

What would you like to say to our readers who have found a connection with your work and the stories you share through your art? 

I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means so much to me that my work has found its way into your stories and memories. I hope my pieces can continue to bring warmth and comfort into your lives, just as creating them brings those feelings to me. 

Once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your precious time and for sharing insights about your journey. Thank you so much. On behalf of the entire team at Hallyuism, we wish you all the best for your future and lots of love from India!

We hope you all loved reading this interview as much as we loved conducting it. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!