This is a blog we're starting so we can share our upcoming trip to Korea. We thought it would be a nice way to document the trip for ourselves, friends and family, and other pottery enthusiasts. In 2oo1, Michael spent seven months learning how to make Onggi jars with potter Oh Hyang Jong in Gwangju, South Korea.
When Michael was in Korea seven years ago, Mr. Oh ran a workshop that made traditional onggi storage jars to hold such things as kimchi, soy bean paste, red pepper paste, and wine. Mr. Oh hired old masters to make these pots with the help of apprentices. Since then, Mr. Oh has sold the onggi workshop, and is mostly making his own work, much of it sculptural. We're excited to see what his new studio is like!
This will be Naomi's first time in Korea. In this trip, we will be making a load of pots with Mr. Oh, and have a small exhibition with him in Seoul near the end. We are also hoping to get a chance to do some sight-seeing while we're there, and of course eat lots of good food!
This will be Naomi's first time in Korea. In this trip, we will be making a load of pots with Mr. Oh, and have a small exhibition with him in Seoul near the end. We are also hoping to get a chance to do some sight-seeing while we're there, and of course eat lots of good food!
8 comments:
Have a great trip -safe travels - see you in 09! -Tess, Dave, Calder & Ide xxxx
I hope you all have an awesome trip. Don't forget us here waiting by the blogs "pot".
Only one question, "Is it Korea or South Korea or what?"
It's South Korea. Don't worry, as long as we get internet, we're on it!
Sounds awesome. I hope you're treated to some Soju-induced flute recitals.
awesome!!! I'm so envious.I would like to hang out with both of you and I'm insane about Korean food. Will you please put up some pictures of cool things you eat? XXXX SAM
Sam, half the reason I'm going is to eat as much awesome food as possible, so there will definitely be food pictures!
Warren and I are jealous. Say hi to Mr Oh for us. We look forward to your Korean posts.
Catherine and Warren
Years ago when I was in undergraduate at PSU theretiring professor showed us a movie of Korean Ongi potters the movie spoke of the lack of youong people taking up the craft, how molding the ongi was becoming more popular and how hundreds of kilns had closed over the last 20 years..the movie was mid to late 70's I think. Seeing this post brought back a lot of memories. What is the state of ongi pottery there now?
Post a Comment