Interview
Huey Lee
Huey Lee is a ceramic artist from South Korea who has dedicated his career to exploring the expressive possibilities of clay. After completing his training as a traditional Korean ceramic artisan, Lee honed his skills working at various pottery and ceramic studios. During this time, he had the privilege of studying under renowned ceramic artists such as TaeGon Kim, Inchin Lee, and the late Gil-bae Kim, who imparted their knowledge of technique, form, and aesthetics. He holds a BFA from Kyung Hee University in Korea and an MFA from the University of Georgia.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was fortunate to start my journey in ceramics at Korea Ceramics Art High School, where the focus was on everything from artistic techniques to industrial applications. I learned a lot from the faculty, who were experts in various aspects of ceramics, including Wood Firing, Kiln Building, Casting, and Glaze Calculation. Their teachings went beyond technical skills to include a deep philosophical understanding of the craft. After graduating, I continued to explore ceramics through apprenticeships with talented artists like Late Gil-bae Kim, Tae-gon Kim, and In Chin Lee. My passion for contemporary ceramics really took off during my undergraduate and graduate studies, thanks to these formative experiences.”
What inspires you?
“I’m inspired by the old, goofy animations from the 50’s to the 90’s. The humor and unique expressions of these characters really resonate with me. I channel their motion and emotional depth into my own work, using them to express my inner voice and, at times, reveal a bit of my sarcastic side.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I’m really drawn to themes of identity and emotional complexity. My work reflects a lot of personal introspection, touching on feelings like trauma, anxiety, and longing. Through my drawings and sculptures, I explore these themes by creating characters and objects that have their own stories and messages. At the heart of it, I think there’s a message about embracing the different facets of ourselves. Many of my pieces feature characters that seem to play different roles or wear masks, like a dog dressed as a tiger. This symbolizes how we sometimes feel the need to present ourselves differently from how we really feel inside. By blending humor with nostalgia, I hope to spark a conversation about self-acceptance and the ways we navigate our own identities.”
How would you describe your work?
“I’d describe my work as a mix of playful and deeply personal. I create drawings and sculptures that feature quirky characters and nostalgic objects, each one telling its own story. My pieces often reflect a blend of humor and emotional depth, drawing on my cultural background and personal experiences. I use clay because it feels like a natural way to express myself, capturing my touch and adding a unique texture to each piece. I also like to incorporate found objects to bring extra layers of meaning and visual interest. Overall, my work is like a visual diary of my emotions and thoughts, inviting viewers to connect with their own feelings and experiences through the stories and characters I create.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There have been many artists who have inspired me across different mediums, but one significant influence is Chin Lee, an emeritus professor at Hong-Ik University in Korea. During my apprenticeship with him, I was deeply impressed by his dedication to his craft and the meticulous way he approaches ceramics. His commitment to his studio practice taught me a lot about craftsmanship and the essence of being an artist. His influence extends beyond technique; it’s also about the passion and discipline that come with creating art.”
“I’d describe my work as a mix of playful and deeply personal. I create drawings and sculptures that feature quirky characters and nostalgic objects, each one telling its own story.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is pretty organic and starts with a lot of personal reflection. I think a lot about my own feelings and experiences, like anxiety or nostalgia, and use those as a basis for my work. I sketch out ideas and often play around with found objects or captured images from various animation that catch my eye, which can lead me in new directions. I work a lot with clay because it lets me leave a personal mark on each piece. The way clay captures the texture of my hands adds something special to my work. As I create, my ideas and characters often evolve, and I enjoy seeing how they develop over time. My studio is a bit like a visual diary where I explore and express my emotional world in a playful and whimsical way.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I think an artist’s role is to reflect on and comment on the world around us. We’re here to offer new perspectives, share personal stories, and sometimes challenge the status quo. Art has a unique way of connecting with people on a deep level, and it can help us make sense of our own experiences and the world we live in. As things change in society, I see artists adapting and using new tools and platforms to reach people. With technology and social media, there are more ways than ever to share our work and engage with a wider audience. I think artists will keep exploring important issues and finding new ways to communicate, which will make our role even more relevant in addressing the challenges and conversations of the future.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My recent solo shows and group shows occur in Kansas City, MO, and Atlanta, Georgia. I had two solo shows at Greg Hardwick Gallery in Columbia College, MO. and a gallery in KC Clay Guild, where I have served as a artist in residency. Recently, my works were featured in Swan Coach Gallery, GA, for their summer invitational.”
Website: hueyleearts.com
Instagram: @potter._lee
