Exploring Landscape and Labor: Ara Koh's Ceramic Artistry
Ara Koh is a talented ceramic artist originally from Seoul, South Korea. Known for her labor-intensive installations, Ara Koh explores themes of body architecture, shelter, and landscape in her work. She has a background in jewelry and metal but found her passion for ceramics during her studies. Ara Koh's work focuses on the tactile nature of clay and its relationship to the surrounding landscape. She is currently based in Washington, D.C.
Ara Koh discusses her early interests in art, her decision to pursue ceramics, and the impact of her experiences living in different countries. She also delves into her creative process and the importance of scale and size in her installations. Ara Koh reflects on the challenges of being a young artist and the pressure to constantly produce work. She shares her thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on the art world and the rise of virtual exhibitions. Throughout the conversation, Ara Koh emphasizes the importance of self-care and taking breaks to prevent burnout.
In this session, we take a closer look at:
- Ara Koh's enchanting journey into ceramics, exploring how an accidental decision led her to fall in love with clay's tactile allure and its transformative power.
- The intentional aspect of Ara Koh's workβwhere installations are designed to evoke memorable emotions, delving into the intersection of art and experience.
- How Ara Koh's international experiences in countries like South Korea and the United States have woven an intricate tapestry of influence into her art, reshaping her perception of landscapes and space.
- The episode's take on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the art world, as we discuss how artists, including Ara Koh, have adapted to virtual platforms and reimagined audience engagement.
- The conversation surrounding self-care and burnout prevention, as we discuss Ara Koh's perspective on finding equilibrium and embracing breaks, even in a culture that often celebrates relentless productivity.
Join us as we delve into the world of ceramics with Ara Koh, a renowned artist known for her labor-intensive installations. Get inspired by her unique approach to art!
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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.
Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Guest
Ara Koh
Ara Koh (b. Seoul, South Korea; lives and works in Washington, DC) received her BFA in Ceramics and Glass from Hongik University, Seoul, in 2018, and was an exchange student at California State University, Long Beach, in 2016. Koh graduated with an MFA in Ceramic Art at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2020. Her works are installations claiming space across a variety of materials, particularly clay.