Drawing inspiration from Korea’s rich ceramic heritage, ceramic artist Yeonsoo Kim redefines Onggi, a centuries-old practice originally used for functional pottery, by infusing it with vibrant colors, unconventional forms, and playful, stylized motifs. Kim's hand-shaped vessels and sculptures become dynamic, modern narratives that capture his thoughts and experiences in clay.

Kim’s technique involves spontaneous surface decoration using Sgraffito and calligraphy brushing, resulting in intricate designs featuring whimsical figures, animals, and objects. His work is driven by memories, relationships, and emotions, evolving organically without preplanning, embracing "freedom over perfectionism." Through his reinterpretation of Onggi, Kim merges tradition and modernity, offering a fresh expression of cultural storytelling in each piece. Working with both porcelain and iron-bearing clays, he tailors each material to the expressive qualities of his designs, revitalizing a millennia-old craft for the modern era. Yeonsoo Kim states, "My work serves as a canvas for a diverse cast of characters, engaging in silent conversations that speak volumes through their nuanced expressions. These characters, often resembling self-portraits, invite viewers into a world where implied images and narratives converge." Yeonsoo Kim earned a BFA in ceramics and glass from Hongik University in Seoul, an MFA in ceramics from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, and has held apprenticeships with master Onggi artisans Hayngjong-Oh in Jeolla-do and Jinkyu Huh in Gyeongsang-do, Korea. In 2020, Kim was recognized as one of the top six Emerging Artists by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA). His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, most recently being selected for the prestigious 12th International Ceramics Biennale Competition at the Korea Ceramics Foundation in Gyeonggi. Kim has participated in several artist residency programs, including the Korea Ceramic Foundation, Montana State University, the Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg, FL, and the Archie Bray Foundation in Montana. He has given lectures and workshops across the United States and internationally, including at the University of North Texas, The Ceramics Congress of Korea, Penn State University, Bucheon Onggi Museum, and many others. He has taught ceramics at the University of Georgia, in Athens, Georgia and at the Korean Ceramic Foundation in Icheon, South Korea. Kim resides in Exeter, NH.