About Ki Woon Huh
His home serves as a dwelling for himself and family, a work space and a gallery for his handiwork. Each main room of the house has walls lined with pieces varying in size, color and shape, each different, unique and detailed in its own way. A short walk through the kitchen reveals even more work, scattered on shelves, tables and wall units throughout the dining and living room areas of his home. A work studio, situated in his backyard, is where Ki Woon develops his creations and also passes along knowledge of the craft when he teaches eager pottery students. Essentially, Huh never has to leave the comforts of home to do what he loves.
Speaking through his daughter, Kong Ju Huh, Ki Woon reflected on his journey of becoming a Master Potter. Ki Woon moved from his native home in South Korea to Sarasota six years ago. The change in surroundings created a chance for Huh to think outside the box. He said that South Korean-style pottery is made using a distinct, accepted tradition. Huh said by moving to the United States, he has gained a freedom to expand on the style of his work.
He said that inspiration for his work thrives from a natural style that incorporates elements of nature and the environment. Although each piece is different and unique in style and form, Huh uses some elements more that once. A recurring theme includes the significant use of hands as a symbol. Huh said that he prefers to use objects from life in his work, and hands serve as an intimate connection between himself and his creation. From the birth of an idea to its execution, Huh incorporates his skill of sketching and painting to give life and definition to his work. He explained that the process takes longer than many people may think. It starts with a plan, sketch and design, which takes the most time, he said.
Awards & Highlights
Award Highlights
1983-1994 Selected every year by the Korean Government National Fine Art Competition
1987 Special Acknowledgement by the Korean Government National Fine Art Competition
1992 Gold Medalist, The Inchon National Fine Art Competition, Korea
Solo Exhibitions
1990-1991 Ringling School of Art & Design. Sarasota, Florida
Summer 2002 Seoul Fine Art Exhibition, Korea
Career
Judge, 6th-7th Workers Art & Culture Festival, Korea
Director of Committee, The Inchon National Fine Art Competition, Korea
Vice Chairman, The Committee of Inchon National Invitational Artists, Korea
Judge, Inchon National Fine Arts Department, Korea
Volunteer Teacher, Ringling School of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida
Volunteer Teacher, Wild Acres Art Workshop/Ringling School of Art & Design, North Carolina
Presently
Director of Committee, The Inchon National Amateur & Professional Invitational Artists, Korea
Judge, The Inchon National Invitational Artists, Korea
Director, The Inchon Branch of Korean National Fine Art Association, Korea
Director, The Korean National Fine Arts Association, Korea
Owner/Teacher "Woodbin" Fine Art Studio, Inchon, Korea
Other Awards
1979 Special Recognition by the Kyunggi-do Art Competition, Korea
1981 Selected by the Kyunggi-do National Art Competition, Korea
1983-1984 Bronze Medalist, The KBS National Ceramic Competition, Korea
1985 Selected by the Inchon National Fine Art Competition, Korea
1986 Selected by the Korean National Ceramic Competition, sponsored by the Seoul Sinmun-sa Newspaper, Korea
1986 Bronze Medalist, The Korean National Fine Art Competition for the 1988 Olympic Games, Korea
1986 Silver Medalist, The Kyunggi-do National Art Competition, Korea
1987 Selected by The Kyunggi-do National Art Competition, Korea
1993 Silver Medalist, The Inchon National Fine Art Competition, Korea
1996 Special Recognition by The Inchon National Fine Art Competition, Korea
1997-1998 Selected by The Inchon National Fine Art Competition, Korea
1998 Bronze Medalist, The Korean National Fine Art Competition, Korea
