Atelier Sey Story No.1, Between the Clay and the Hand, Ceramist Kyungran Yeo

Where the Wheel Stops, the Record of Hope Begins: Ceramist Kyungran Yeo and [Between the Clay and the Hand]

Hello, this is Sehee You, Chief Curator of Atelier Sey. I am delighted to welcome you to our very first Journal story. As I thought about where to begin, I chose to share the journey of Kyungran Yeo, the artist behind our most beloved Minhwa Collection.

Having spent years as a curator, I have witnessed how art transforms a space. If there is one thing I firmly believe in, it is the power of good objects. A well-made bowl can shift the atmosphere of a table, and a gentle painting can soothe a weary heart. Through these objects, we learn to pause, to cherish ourselves, and to live a little more mindfully.

The Kyungran Yeo I know is a person of immense warmth. That warmth is reflected in the way she handles her work, her attitude toward life, and her refined way of engaging with the world.

1. Artisan by Day, Artist by Night

Among the many words used to describe her, those who know her studio best call her a devoted laborer. To sit before the wheel from the break of dawn, feeling the subtle temperature of the clay and shaping its form, is a physical and meditative act of discipline.

"The moment where the workspace begins to shine. I rushed to light the kiln this morning and caught a glimpse of my workbench. It is a battlefield of unfinished pieces, and only the chair remains quiet. I will take a 30-minute nap and get back to cleaning up."

"I hope people use my pieces with affection and eventually gift them to those they love. Not because they no longer need it, but because they cherish it so much that they want to share that happiness. I pour my sincerity into every piece so that I may honor the privilege of becoming someone's precious object."

2. A Modern Twist on Tradition: The Minhwa Collection

Atelier Sey's signature Minhwa Collection is a sophisticated reinterpretation of symbols from traditional Korean folk painting. While it carries the essence of gibok, the wish for blessings and good fortune, the aesthetic is never heavy or dated. Humorous tigers and tender camellias bring a sense of leisure and bright energy into modern living spaces.

What is Minhwa?

A genre of Korean folk art from the Joseon Dynasty, roughly 1392 to 1910. It is a record of human hopes: vibrant depictions of wishes for happiness, longevity, and protection, created by and for the people.

The motifs of the magpie, tiger, and peony represent the hope for good news and the protection of one's home. Magpie and Tiger, by Kyungran Yeo.

3. A New Chapter: [Between the Clay and the Hand]

Beyond her identity as a ceramist, there lies a more private, inner world. Atelier Sey is proud to curate her latest drawing collection, [Between the Clay and the Hand].

After washing the clay from her hands, the artist turns to a digital canvas to draw with absolute freedom. If her ceramics speak of responsibility and restraint, these drawings reveal her freedom and liberation.

They keep the warm spirit of Minhwa, yet feel lighter and more contemporary than ever. Each piece is less a picture than an objet, a quiet presence that changes the mood of a room.

The artist also published a fairytale that weaves together her drawings and memories, The Secret Greenhouse in Winter.

A rabbit living in a warm greenhouse sets off to find a true friend. Along the way, he notices others shivering in the cold. To warm them, he must find a magic sweater and share its yarn. He eventually finds a girl weeping alone, becomes her friend, and together they knit warmth for the whole world.

One scene, titled "Just Before Happiness Arrives," resonates deeply with our vision. A girl cries alone despite wearing the magic sweater, and the rabbit, her newfound comfort, flies toward her as a bird.

Life inevitably brings moments of loneliness. Yet through meaningful connections and good objects, we find the courage to move through trials and enjoy a life of genuine happiness.

Closing Thoughts

While preparing this collection, I was reminded once again of the power of good objects. We all have different ways of seeking comfort, and Kyungran Yeo offers hers through her stories and drawings.

I hope these free-spirited lines find their way into your space and become a warm greeting in your daily life.

Visit us under the warm sunlight of Los Altos, or explore the collection at ateliersey.com. May the record of her free lines fill your days with love and self-appreciation.