top of page
Mr. Kwak at work.png

Discover the Artistry of Kwak Kyung-tae: A Journey Through Onggi and Buncheong

Kwak Kyung-tae's passion for the majestic Onggi vessels and the rustic charm of Korean slipware has inspired him to carve out a unique voice in the world of ceramics. Specializing exclusively in Onggi and Buncheong, he draws deeply from the rich traditions of the Korean peninsula, particularly those of the Joseon dynasty, and reinterprets them within a contemporary framework.

His creations reflect the organic forms and textures found in nature, showcasing a blend of wheel-thrown and altered techniques. Each piece features spontaneous marks and expressive brushwork, inviting viewers to appreciate the delicate balance between the raw and the refined. Kwak's work captures the sublime beauty of nature's imperfections, whether in large-scale installations or intimate pieces. This distinctive austerity stems from a profound, lifelong relationship with clay, honed through years of dedication and mastery.

Mr. Kwak has showcased his artistry in solo and group exhibitions across East Asia and Europe, captivating audiences with his innovative approach to traditional craftsmanship.

Learn More About The Classes

.

5-Day Korean Onggi Masterclass

Join us for an intensive 5-day masterclass where Mr. Kwak will share and teach the traditional techniques of Korean Onggi making in a focused and engaging format.

12 Feb - 16 Feb 2025
Teaching hours 10:00 - 13:00, Lunch Break, 14:30 - 17:30

Price : Eur 2750 incl 21% tax

Sold Out
Please leave a message if you wish to be in a waiting list

Masterclass Includes:

  • 80 kilograms of high-quality stoneware clay

  • Daily lunch provided

  • Basic communal tools (feel free to bring your own)

  • Snacks, coffee, and tea available throughout the day

  • A comprehensive Onggi tool set valued at €300 for each student, including 4 wooden tools, 2 metal ribs, and 1 shammy tool
     

Please Note: Firing service is not included; an additional fee will apply based on the size of the items.

An Exclusive Masterclass Led by Mr. Kwak
​

Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts. Our studio offers 8 spots for a five-day intensive workshop with the esteemed Mr. Kwak.

This masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters, without discrimination. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone, we provide personalized 1:1 guidance to cater to each individual’s level and aspirations throughout the class.

This course is ideal for those looking to create larger works but may feel intimidated by throwing on the wheel. It also suits those who have experience with handbuilding and wish to acquire new skills, streamline their workflow, or diversify their techniques. Regardless of your experience—whether you have been working with clay for days or decades—you will find the Onggi process to be a rewarding and enriching learning experience that deepens your connection with this versatile medium.

Engaging directly with the clay and mastering these traditional forming methods will evoke a profound sense of connection, as these techniques have been practiced unchanged for thousands of years, passed down through generations.

Topics Covered and Practiced:
 
  • Regional Influences: Explore how geographical limitations have shaped the subtleties of form and making techniques in Onggi.

  • Clay Sourcing, Storage, and Preparation: Learn both historical and contemporary approaches to preparing clay for Onggi making.

  • Stretching Coils (Taryeom): Master the practical method of stretching coils from a block of clay on the table.

  • Creating the Base Disc: Make and compress the base disc flat using the pang-mang-i (wooden striking tool).

  • Coiling Process (Taryeom-jil): Engage in the rhythmic coiling process, simultaneously attaching coils and building height in the walls of your piece through a series of micro techniques that flow together.

  • Paddling the Form (Surae-jil): Use wooden tools to paddle the form, compressing, thinning, and shaping it both inside and outside on the wheel.

  • Final Shaping (Geun-gae-jil): Smooth the surface and alter the final form using metal rib tools.

  • Rim Forming and Refining: Refine the rim with a traditional long shammy cloth (Jeon-tae).

  • Scribing Lines and Decorative Motifs: Discover the historical significance of decorative motifs and their role in enhancing the form.

  • Lifting Onggi Off the Wheel: Learn the traditional cloth method for lifting freshly made Onggi from the wheel.

  • Mr. Kwak’s Artistic Interpretation: Gain insight into Mr. Kwak’s interpretation of traditional Onggi techniques in his artistic practice, along with an invitation to use traditional tools and methods to inspire innovative thinking and creativity.

5 Day Onggi Masterclass

Cancellation Policy for Masterclass

Please note that once payment is made and your reservation is confirmed, cancellations are not permitted, and refunds will not be issued.

external-file_edited.jpg
Mr Kwak on wheel.png

.

4-Day Korean Wheel Throwing Masterclass: Exploring Buncheong Techniques


Join us for an immersive 4-day masterclass focused on the art of Korean wheel throwing, featuring the traditional Buncheong technique. Participants will learn to decorate ceramic pieces using white slip through both brushing and dipping methods, gaining hands-on experience in this time-honored craft.

7 Feb - 10 Feb 2025
Teaching hours 10:00 - 13:00, Lunch Break, 14:30 - 17:30

Price : Eur 1950 incl 21% tax

Masterclass Includes:

  • 80 kilograms of high-quality stoneware clay

  • Lunch provided daily

  • Basic communal tools (feel free to bring your own as well)

  • Snacks, coffee, and tea available throughout the day

  • A set of Korean handmade tools for students to use during the class and take home afterwards, including a cutting tool, trimming tool, shammy, and clay knife

 

Please Note: Firing service is not included; an additional fee will apply based on the size of the items.

An Exclusive Masterclass Led by Mr. Kwak

​

Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts. Our studio offers 8 spots for a four-day intensive workshop with the esteemed Mr. Kwak Kyung-tae.

This masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone, we provide personalized 1:1 guidance to cater to each individual’s level and aspirations throughout the class.

Taught exclusively by Master Kwak in Korean, the workshop will be simultaneously translated and interpreted into English by his apprentice. Our goal is to help students build a solid foundation of skills rooted in tradition and intentionality, encouraging a mindful approach to every movement on the wheel. This method fosters a deeper connection between mind and hand.

​

Topics Covered and Practiced:

  • History and Context: Understanding the Korean approach to clay sourcing, storage, and preparation.

  • Spiral Wedging (Gomak-milgi): Techniques for closing the spiral into a cylindrical form.

  • Centering Fundamentals: Mastering the centering of a large mass of clay for throwing off the hump, with an emphasis on relaxing the clay for optimal response.

  • Sabal (Teabowl) Making: A step-by-step exploration of the making process, focusing on finger placements and techniques.

  • Korean Style Trimming: A demonstration using handmade tools, highlighting the harmonious relationship between throwing and trimming in relation to the final form.

  • Developing a Discerning Eye: Techniques for distinguishing between the structural and shaping phases of throwing.

  • Buncheong Techniques: Hands-on practice of brushing and dipping methods.

  • Advanced Demonstrations: Creating cylinders, plates, and teapots off the hump, along with large sabal (bowls), hangari (jars), and dalhangari (moon jars using a two-piece joining technique).

  • Personalized Demonstration: Each student will have the opportunity to showcase a form or concept they are interested in making.

  • Self-Study Discussion: Strategies for developing a personal practice and outlining a progression for continued learning.

Topics Covered and Practiced:
 
  • Regional Influences: Explore how geographical limitations have shaped the subtleties of form and making techniques in Onggi.

  • Clay Sourcing, Storage, and Preparation: Learn both historical and contemporary approaches to preparing clay for Onggi making.

  • Stretching Coils (Taryeom): Master the practical method of stretching coils from a block of clay on the table.

  • Creating the Base Disc: Make and compress the base disc flat using the pang-mang-i (wooden striking tool).

  • Coiling Process (Taryeom-jil): Engage in the rhythmic coiling process, simultaneously attaching coils and building height in the walls of your piece through a series of micro techniques that flow together.

  • Paddling the Form (Surae-jil): Use wooden tools to paddle the form, compressing, thinning, and shaping it both inside and outside on the wheel.

  • Final Shaping (Geun-gae-jil): Smooth the surface and alter the final form using metal rib tools.

  • Rim Forming and Refining: Refine the rim with a traditional long shammy cloth (Jeon-tae).

  • Scribing Lines and Decorative Motifs: Discover the historical significance of decorative motifs and their role in enhancing the form.

  • Lifting Onggi Off the Wheel: Learn the traditional cloth method for lifting freshly made Onggi from the wheel.

  • Mr. Kwak’s Artistic Interpretation: Gain insight into Mr. Kwak’s interpretation of traditional Onggi techniques in his artistic practice, along with an invitation to use traditional tools and methods to inspire innovative thinking and creativity.

4 Day Wheel Throwing Masterclass

Sold Out
if you wish to be on a waitling list, kindly leave a message

Cancellation Policy for Masterclass

Please note that once payment is made and your reservation is confirmed, cancellations are not permitted, and refunds will not be issued.

bottom of page