Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 52.
Occupation: Ceramic artist and designer.
Instagram: @janeyangdhaene
Hometown: Born and raised in South Korea.
Studio location: Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: I make one-of-a-kind ceramic vessels. Most of my work is influenced by Korean ceramic forms and I reimagine them by pushing the limits of form and materials. Though descended from traditional ceramic forms, such as moon jars, my vessels depart from this history as I experiment with surface, lending my work a sculptural quality.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Moon jars of course! That’s all I’ve been concentrating on for the last two years. I can’t think about any other shape nor forms at the moment. If I must pick another, it would be what I created for a Maison Kitsuné exhibition curated by Stroll Garden gallery. I created extra-exaggerated traditional bottles to celebrate the Korean thanksgiving.
Describe the problem your work solves: I’m not sure If I’m solving anything, but I simply enjoy creating beautiful vessels. My work is about finding beauty in imperfections. My vessels are not perfect, sometimes even unfinished, but I hope it brings joy.
Describe the project you are working on now: I recently finished and shipped pieces for my solo show in L.A. with Stroll Garden gallery, which opens Oct. 6.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’m currently working on two other upcoming shows. A show with Alison Bradley Gallery that opens Nov. 17 and another show with Tayloe Piggott Gallery in Jackson Hole that opens Dec. 16.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Incense to start my day, water (lots of them, it gets pretty dry in ceramic studio), and a very large work surface and clay.
What you do when you’re not working: I enjoy cooking. My husband thinks my cooking is better than anyone else’s. It’s totally untrue but I like hearing that. I think he’s just saying it so I cook more though. I think it’s prettier than how it tastes. Also, I love spending time with my girlfriends. I spend so much time in my studio it’s a treat to see my girlfriends who I’ve been friends with for more than 15 years. They’re my support group.
Sources of creative envy: This is the most difficult question for me. I get envious of all creative people because I often feel I’m not as good as them. But currently I’m envious of Young Sook Park’s moon jars. It’s absolutely imperfect and perfect.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Unnecessary noises.
Concrete or marble? It was concrete then it went to marble but now concrete again.
High-rise or townhouse? I was in a townhouse for the past seven years but now in a high-rise with a view and I love it.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts.
Dark or light? Light.
