SANG JOON PARK

ARTIST BIO & ARTIST STATEMENT

Sangjoon’s evolution as a potter began over two decades ago in Daejeon, South Korea, inspired by his uncle, a traditional Korean potter. Driven by this inspiration, he pursued a career in clay, eventually earning an MFA in ceramics from Pratt Institute in New York, where he studied under Professor Robert Zakarian, focusing on abstraction, minimalism, and conceptual art. Today, Sangjoon’s work transcends traditional decorative compositions, reflecting the expression of his life, soul, and spirit. His artistic evolution includes a shift towards installation pieces that move beyond the wheel, embracing sculptural, stacked, and hanging abstract forms to forge a deeper connection with nature.

In his functional wares, Sangjoon often uses the gwiyal technique, where a large brush stroke of white or vibrant colored slip is applied to each piece, a gesture he likens to painting. He also employs the “Inhwamun” technique, where the surface of the clay is stamped to create floral patterns. This work is a collaboration with his wife, Min Ju Kim, who uses a small, flower-shaped stamp and an inlay technique to apply traditional Inhwamun decoration to the pots he throws on the wheel. In recent pieces like “New York Fall,” Sangjoon left numerous thrown bowls outside to be naturally weathered by the environment, reflecting the transitional space surrounding them. This collaborative process combines restoration with time-tested techniques, resulting in unique and beautiful stoneware.

Born in Daejeon, South Korea, Sangjoon now lives and works in upstate New York. He holds a BFA in Ceramics from Mokwon University in Korea and an MFA from Pratt Institute. His work has been exhibited at numerous galleries and institutions, including the Korean and Japanese Cultural Centers in Washington, DC, and New York. Sangjoon has been selected to participate in prestigious craft shows such as the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Craft Show, and the invitational Old Church Pottery Show in New Jersey.