Sunkoo Yuh, a renowned ceramicist and professor of art at the University of Georgia, recently shared his artistic journey during the opening reception for his exhibition "Cycles of Clay" at the Charles B. Wang Center. Yuh's path to becoming a respected ceramics artist began unexpectedly on a baseball field in South Korea.
"I was very passionate about baseball and I could play it better than the others," said Yuh. However, without a professional league in South Korea until 1982, he realized there was no career path in baseball for him. "I didn’t know what to do," he said. "I lost something that had been my passion."
Yuh decided to attend art school after high school graduation, seeking answers through art. “I had a very vague and naive idea about artists at the time,” he said.
The "Cycles of Clay" exhibition highlights Yuh's creativity as he explores cultural heritage and contemporary expression through ceramic sculptures featuring bold colors and intricate figures. His work reflects themes from Buddhist cycles to sociopolitical commentary.
In his lecture, Yuh discussed his creative journey and distinctive approach to crafting narrative sculptures focusing on identity and spirituality. Educated initially in South Korea, Yuh moved to the US for further study.
“I experimented with many different mediums," he said. "But I especially liked clay because when it’s still wet, it’s malleable." He studied at SUNY Alfred known for its ceramics programs.
After becoming a father, Yuh noticed a shift in his work themes from heavy subjects to celebrating everyday life influenced by Korean traditions.
His unique glazing techniques create visually compelling sculptures exploring life's beauty and complexity. Despite unpredictable outcomes during firing processes, Yuh embraces these as part of his artistic philosophy.
“Many times pieces fall or crack," he noted philosophically regarding failed installations like one shown in a video where a sculpture shattered upon falling.
Jinyoung Jin, director of Asian Art and Culture at the Charles B. Wang Center stated: “Behind each of Sunkoo’s works is a story... It’s up to viewers to apply our own story.” The center expressed pride in presenting his work.