Meet Chaeeun Kim | Ceramic Designer & Artist/maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chaeeun Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chaeeun, what are you inspired by?
My Collection builds a connection between the ubiquitous textile denim and the ceramic material porcelain.

The collection is inspired by the imbalance of access to and usage of water across the world is imbalanced and the forms and delights of the human body. The forms are designed to be held comfortably under an arm. The vases riff on body shapes, offering forms held in an unpredictable balance, atypical when viewed from all sides.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is deeply inspired by people. I place great importance on communication and connection, and I often build my stories through the shapes of people and the conversations I’ve had with them. These stories influence the materials I choose and the direction of my pieces.

Before studying abroad, my main focus was a project called the Memory Series. It involved using everyday materials like thread, fabric, paper, cotton, wood, and clay to create three-dimensional paintings inside frames. These pieces reflect moments from my life, memories with friends, and precious places shared with loved ones and family.

What sets my work apart is that it invites interaction. I create pieces that are only truly complete when they are touched or listened to. When I first started learning ceramics as a child, I was disappointed that people weren’t allowed to touch the works before buying them. I believe that in order for people to truly feel connected to an artwork and want to own it, they should be able to experience its textures and presence physically.

Through 15 years of working with ceramics, I’ve learned many valuable lessons. By communicating with people, I’ve learned how to infuse my own color and personality into my work in a way that still feels approachable. This has not been an easy path it required me to meet many different people, understand their efforts, and be sensitive to their stories. To do this, I immersed myself in their worlds working in sales, teaching, and design in order to build genuine understanding. Through that journey, I was able to clearly define the purpose of my own work.

Currently, I’m developing two bodies of work. The first is the Memory Series, which I began in Korea, and the second is a series of vases. Through these works, I aim to share stories about society, relationships, and the values that matter to us all. My goal is to create art that connects emotionally and physically and encourages people to feel, reflect, and remember.

My brand name is Everum, which is a combination of ‘everywhere’ and ‘museum.’ It means that everywhere can be my museum.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spot in the UK is Seven Sisters. When I first came to the UK for language study, I traveled to Brighton with my brother, and we visited Seven Sisters. This place is very special to me. My cousin went to university in Brighton, and it is also the city where she and her husband first met. Seven Sisters is particularly meaningful because it holds memories of my brother and cousin.

When I first visited, I was amazed by its beauty. I call this place heaven. The combination of the blue sea, sky, and the green and white cliffs is something that words cannot fully describe. I’ve traveled to many countries and places, but this location is truly unique, a space that cannot be captured by photos. I love this spot so much that I’ve created many works inspired by it.

Whenever friends from Korea or family visit, we always go to Brighton and Seven Sisters. This is a place that you can’t fully appreciate unless you visit in person. I also visit often when I’m feeling down. It’s not far from London, so it’s easy to get to, and I love enjoying a beer or wine while looking at the sea, feeling peaceful. Buying ice cream from the truck at Seven Sisters and sitting with friends, simply enjoying the view, is always a blissful experience.

For a one-week trip, the first day would be spent walking along the Brighton beach and enjoying the sea, followed by a relaxing time at a nearby café. On the second day, I’d visit Seven Sisters, hike along the cliffs, and buy ice cream from the truck while enjoying the stunning scenery. After returning to Brighton, I’d recommend trying fresh seafood at a local restaurant and enjoying a glass of wine while watching the sea. Over the week, I would experience different activities with the sea as the backdrop, and I would truly feel the calmness of nature.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I first started working with ceramics in middle school, thanks to a suggestion from my mother. At the time, I was focused on drawing, and she encouraged me to try expressing myself in 3D. It was through her recognition of my potential that I was able to begin this journey. With the support of my parents and older brother, I was also able to study abroad.

After coming to study abroad at Central Saint Martins (CSM), I went through a period of confusion before I was able to find a new direction in my work. During that time, I had many conversations with Kathryn, my ceramics tutor, and through our discussions I was able to develop new ideas and refine my practice. She introduced me to many artists and played a key role not only in my creative development, but also in supporting me mentally and emotionally. She has been an incredibly important mentor in my journey.

Website: https://www.everumchaeeun.com

Instagram: everum_chaeeun