Artist statement from the M.F.A. thesis exhibition titled "seductive elegance" in May, 2008.
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The word "elegance" describes refinement, grace, and beauty in movement, appearance, or manners, and also tasteful opulence in form or presentation. The beauty of the objects can be shared with the viewer through not only the formal quality but also through the cultural and social influences of the maker.

Searching for my identity and the expression of personal aesthetic has been my interest. The tactile nature of clay stimulates my creativity, and the focus on the continuous challenge of technical acquisition using potter's wheel emphasizes the importance of my practice of the object making process. Porcelain and translucent glazes, such as celadon, historically sustain the value, and also suggest sensual and seductive fascination toward beauty. By understanding the historical status of Craft, I see that keen craftsmanship has timeless value, and the demand for perfection is my life-long goal as a maker of objects.

I find a connection with the way the buds, sprouts, and roots of plant life unfold and transform themselves from their core with a release of energy, and they flourish and grow. I am also intrigued by how human bodies move and interact physically and emotionally creating sensual lines and forms. As growing up in rather suppressed cultural and social background, I was brought up to believe that personal emotions and sensitivity should not be expressed, and the uniqueness and individuality was discouraged in order to be a part of or even lost in "them;" a constructed group of society. Through my creative activities in this different cultural environment, I started to accept myself as I am and further explore my identity referencing the inspirations as if I am making the transformation as well as finding connections with individuals, society, and nature while suggesting the beauty, sensuality, and preciousness in life.

Through this series of work, I am able to convey more eclectic ideas of visual communication; the interests in the technical aspect of making, the tradition of pottery making as well as the focus on the formal qualities of lines and shapes. Shared understandings of aesthetic fundamentals and the concrete idea of elegance can bridge the cultural and social differences beyond the personal tastes. The sole presentation of the objects and space reveals what there is to know about myself and communicate with the viewer. The fluidity and weightlessness of the forms portray the essence of my inner emotion finding a relationship with the one who I want.

It is my journey to continue to have a conversation with myself.