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 work—where 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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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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