Meet Yeji SHIN | Ceramic Artist & Teacher

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

Hi Yeji, how do you think about risk?
I believe that risk is something we must inevitably face in both life and work—especially in our careers. For instance, I recently transitioned from working at a museum residency to setting up my own personal studio. Leaving behind a stable environment was undoubtedly a risk. However, when I decide to take risks, I try to move away from the societal notion of “failure” and instead focus on what I can achieve within that uncertainty. I believe that setting small goals and finding satisfaction in reaching them is one of the most important parts of taking risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I want to introduce people to the broader and more diverse world of ceramic art. While ceramics is a relatively small industry in Korea, it plays a significant role within the larger craft scene. I aim to go beyond just cups and bowls, and share the many different forms and expressions ceramics can offer. That’s why I create pieces with unique textures and employ a wide range of techniques. I consider this versatility to be one of my strengths, and it also helps me connect with other artists more easily.

In addition to my art practice, I currently teach ceramics to the general public. At first, I felt it was a bit unfortunate that many participants only had a brief experience with ceramics. But over time, I came to see value in even a single encounter with ceramic art—especially when it adds something new and meaningful to someone’s daily life. That realization has brought me a strong sense of fulfillment. Through these interactions, I’ve grown even more proud of ceramic art and the community it builds.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province—one of the most active regions for ceramics in Korea. If my best friend came to visit, I’d start by hosting a short camping experience at my home. We’d sit around the fire pit, enjoy the warmth, and relax together. During the day, I’d take them to Ye’s Park, a ceramic village where we could explore a wide range of ceramic art and studios.

For meals, we’d enjoy traditional Korean set menus made with high-quality rice, a specialty of this region and once reserved for royalty. Personally, I sometimes find it a bit repetitive, but visitors always seem to love the experience and leave feeling very satisfied.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my friends—those I studied ceramics with back in high school. Most of them have moved on to careers outside of ceramics or the arts, but because of the time we spent together, they have a deep emotional understanding of the work I do and continue to support me wholeheartedly. They’ve also helped me physically from time to time. I hope that in return, my work and my life can have a small but positive impact on their everyday lives as well.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinyejiceramics/