Jaejun Lee is a ceramist who recently had a solo exhibition at Beaux Arts Bath.
We had the privilege of interviewing JaeJun Lee, a ceramic artist whose work has captured the hearts of collectors in London. In this conversation, Lee shared his profound views on art, life, and the essence of creation, shedding light on his unique artistic journey. Guided by the belief that “I am not special,” his practice unfolds through a quiet yet constant transformation. Repetition and subtle change form the core of his evolving artistic narrative, offering a compelling insight into his deeply personal journey.
More Than Words: The True Story of Creation
“My work is not about conveying a specific message or story, but about infusing my life and thoughts into the process.”
JaeJun Lee, who works primarily with porcelain, takes a critical view of the story-driven approach often emphasized in contemporary art. Instead, his work is closer to pure art—focusing not on direct messages, but on the dialogue between his life and thoughts, conveyed through repetition, change, and time. He describes his practice as akin to that of a farmer planting seeds, where the act of repetition is not monotonous but holds the potential for subtle, quiet transformations. Each piece, shaped by daily effort, represents his hope for growth and accumulation over time—a reflection of life itself. In this way, his creations offer a unique perspective on his continuous evolution as an artist, rejecting perfection in favour of embracing the warmth of imperfection and the beauty of the human touch.
Shaping the Unexpected
For Lee, clay is like “an untamable horse”—difficult, challenging, and unpredictable, especially porcelain. Even with careful shaping and meticulous firing, the material often defies his intentions, cracking, warping, or behaving unexpectedly. Yet, over time, Lee has learned to embrace these challenges as an integral part of his creative process, seeing them as opportunities for transformation rather than obstacles.
“Clay is often regarded as a warm material, but to me, it is cold. It requires patience, precision, and a mindset open to change,” he explains.
This perspective is rooted in his belief that the material’s unpredictable nature is where true artistry lies. Lee has come to appreciate the subtle variations in clay, viewing the surprises it offers as pathways to new possibilities. By accepting these uncertainties and working with them rather than against them, he unlocks the true essence of his craft.In this ongoing dialogue with clay, Lee has learned to find beauty in the imperfections and shifts the material naturally undergoes. Rather than seeking to control every aspect, he has come to understand that the unpredictability of clay is what gives each piece its unique character—reflecting both the artist's journey and the nature of the material itself.
From Studio to Showcase: The Rhythm and Reflection of Time
“Though I wish to start my day peacefully and easily, life in the studio is often more like a battle,” Lee shares.
Lee’s studio life is far from leisurely. While he dreams of starting his mornings calmly, the reality is an intense routine shaped by years of working 12 to 15 hours a day. Over time, however, he has begun to scale back, recognizing the toll such relentless effort takes on his body. These days, he paces himself, taking necessary breaks—particularly during wheel-throwing, which demands physical endurance. Yet, other tasks, such as glazing, still often stretch late into the night.
As Lee reflects on his artistic journey, he hopes his work increasingly mirrors not only his evolving aesthetic but also the natural passage of time and the changes it brings. Moving away from the pursuit of perfection, his creations now focus on embracing warmth and imperfection—qualities that invite a sense of comfort and humanity.“I emphasise the time and effort accumulated through the process, rather than focusing on the technical aspects of my work,” he explains.
This philosophy has become integral to Lee’s practice, earning his work widespread admiration in the UK as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Korean porcelain. Many describe his pieces as infused with a quiet yet undeniable depth, shaped by the time and devotion he pours into each stage of their creation. Reflecting on memorable feedback, Lee notes how fellow artists and collectors often marvel at the intricate dedication behind his work—a testament to his enduring commitment to the craft.
JaeJun Lee’s upcoming solo exhibitions in the UK are highly anticipated, including those at the New Craftsman Gallery in St. Ives, Flow Gallery in London, and the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh, set for 2025 and 2026. He recalls significant moments in his career, such as when the esteemed Thomas Bohle suggested a piece exchange at a fair or when the influential Florian Gadsby spoke of him as one of the artists to watch. One of his most cherished memories is when Jennifer Lee, a fellow artist he admires, visited the opening of his solo show and praised his work. These pivotal interactions have played a crucial role in shaping his artistic path, reinforcing the importance of connections and mutual respect within the artistic community. They have also deepened his understanding of how his work resonates and communicates with the world.
@jaejunlee_ceramics
Written by Hyeryoung Jun
4482 SASAPARI Assistant Curator
Projects Administrator (Barbican Immersive), Barbican Centre
City, Universtiy of London, MA Culture, Policy and Management, UK
Photo © JaeJun Lee
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