Henry Kim experiments with traditional Korean techniques for ‘Bulbosaurs’

The convoluted coil and throw technique Onggi, is a traditional Korean pottery art form, that combines artistry and traditional craftsmanship in a captivating way. Onggi vessels, which have their roots in centuries-old Korean tradition, are meticulously created employing a special technique that entails coiling long, thin clay ropes and then shaping them on a spinning wheel. Handcrafted vessels that are both functional and tangible representations of Korea's rich cultural legacy are created when artisans imbue the clay with life.

Inspired by the Onggi technique, US-based Korean designer Henry Kim ideated his signature style, 'Mongi’. The designer’s custom style is derived from a combination of marble along with the Onggi technique. Using this technique Kim crafted his latest lighting design collection titled Bulbosaurs.

Bulbosaurs manifest as an assortment of captivating table lamps, skillfully fashioned from vivid, psychedelic marble clay, expertly sculpted utilising the revered Onggi method. The ceramic artist learnt his skills from clay master Hun Chung Lee, who told him “Only fill your kiln halfway with stuff that makes money; the other half you fill with your dream,” this deep realisation acted as a spark for Kim, inspiring him to focus his artistic energies on the lamp design.

“A lot of my work is about juxtaposition,” the lighting designer claims, “It’s about chaos and control; traditional techniques and modern applications; being Korean and American,” he adds. These lamps transcend the conventional boundaries of traditional design, serving as a testament to the designer's relentless pursuit of pushing artistic boundaries. Every aspect of the creation is a harmonious fusion of technical precision and imaginative ingenuity. The meticulous craftsmanship applied to each piece ensures not only visual splendour but also a seamless marriage of form and function.

The process behind crafting Bulbosaurs initiates with the labour-intensive preparation of vibrant clay in an array of colours, skillfully blended and rolled into coils. These coils are then expertly attached and thrown onto the ceramic wheel, shaping each piece with finesse. The pieces go through up to three cycles of transformation through a cutting and firing process, becoming works of art with exquisite textures. The final step is for the pieces to be fitted with hardware for lighting. The outcome is more than just a lamp; it's a testament to the skill and commitment that went into each stage of this remarkable creative journey.

Inspired by his heritage, Kim's synthesis of marble and the Onggi process creates transcendent pieces of art that bring a peaceful balance between modern and contemporary design. Each Bulbosaur tells a story of artistry, from the tedious process of preparing colourful clay to the last assembly of lighting components. These works of art brighten not only the rooms in which they are placed but also the eternal spirit of artistic experimentation and cultural fusion.