Ateliersey Story no 1, Between the Clay and the Hand, ceramist Kyunran Yeo

Where the Wheel Stops, the Record of Hope Begins:

Ceramicist Kyoung-ran 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 blog post. As I contemplated our first story, I chose to share the journey of Kyoung-ran 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 Fine Objects." A well-crafted bowl can shift the atmosphere of a table, and a gentle painting can soothe a weary heart. Through these objects, we learn the art of Self-Care—to pause, to cherish ourselves, and to embrace a truly Mindful Life.

The Kyoung-ran 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: Kyoung-ran Yeo

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’s a battlefield of unfinished pieces... only the chair remains quiet. I’ll take a 30-minute nap and get back to cleaning up. -from her diary

 

The reason her ceramics are so poised and resilient is her intentional restraint—focusing entirely on 'Utility' and 'Refined Taste.' Her philosophy—"A vessel should never overwhelm what it holds"—allows her work to be a humble yet beautiful backdrop for our daily rituals. Sturdy, functional, and harmonious, her collection possesses a quiet magic that elevates the everyday.

"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' (blessing for good fortune), the aesthetic is never heavy or dated. Humorous tigers and tender blossoms bring a sense of leisure and bright energy into our modern living spaces.

💡 What is Minhwa? A genre of Korean folk art from the Joseon Dynasty (c. 1392–1910). It is a record of human desires—vibrant depictions of hopes for happiness, longevity, and protection, created by and for the people.

<Magpie and Tiger by kyungran>

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

 

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

Beyond her identity as a ceramicist, there lies a more private, inner world. Atelier Sey is proud to curate her latest painting 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 represent 'Responsibility' and 'Restraint,' these drawings reveal her 'Freedom' and 'Liberation.'

<with my dogs>

Born in the brief silence between the clay and the hand, these drawings capture fragments of daily life and innermost longings. They maintain the warm message of Minhwa but feel more lighthearted and contemporary than ever.

<from work>

The artist also published a fairytale that weaves together her drawings and memories

<The Secret Greenhouse in Winter>

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 in solitude, 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 in solitude despite wearing the magic sweater, but the rabbit—her newfound comfort—flies toward her as a bird.

<Just Before Happiness Arrives>

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

Closing Thoughts

While preparing for this collection, I was reminded once again of the Power of Fine Objects. We all have different ways of seeking comfort, and Kyoung-ran 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 our online gallery at AtelierSey.com. May the record of her free lines fill your days with love and self-appreciation.