Grace Han
Location
Manitoba, Canada
About
Grace Han is a ceramic artist who received her original training in Seoul, South Korea. She received her
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Dankook University, specializing in traditional Korean ceramic
techniques and skills. Following the completion of her education, Grace further honed her expertise by
working for several years in one of Korea's largest ceramic companies, gaining invaluable experience that
extended beyond the realm of academia. She received her MFA from University of Manitoba in 2016 and
has been pursuing her career as a ceramic artist in Canada.
Grace's artistic accomplishments have earned recognition from her peers, evident in her selection as an
NCECA Emerging Artist and the honour of receiving the NCECA Helene Zucker Seeman Fellowship for
Women. Furthermore, her commitment to her art practice has been acknowledged through the receipt of
numerous grants from esteemed organizations such as Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Arts
Council, and Winnipeg Arts Council.
Grace has actively participated in various residencies and conferences, conducted engaging hands-on
workshops, and delivered lectures and artist talks on numerous occasions, both domestically and
internationally. Grace Han is an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba in Canada.
Artist Statement
The Sseol-jil technique is a Korean throwing method that allows potters to create medium to large-sized works on the wheel without the physically demanding centering of large clay chunks or drilling a hole, processes that can be exhausting and time-consuming. Another key advantage of this technique is that trimming is not required. During my demonstration, I’ll start by showing how to make the bottom by throwing clay onto the floor and stretching it to the desired thickness. The piece will then be transferred to the wheel and compressed using an Onggi tool called Bang-mang-I. Next, I will demonstrate how to create a coil/slab for the side walls, stretching the clay on the floor in various directions to achieve even thickness. The coil/slab will be carefully transferred to the wheel and placed on the bottom’s edge. I will show how to use diXerent parts of my body to prevent breaking the long coil/slab. At the wheel, I’ll demonstrate how to use a cloth called Mul-ga-juk, which minimizes water usage and reduces friction compared to working with bare hands. I will also incorporate other Onggi tools during the paddling process. This semi-dry throwing method speeds up both the throwing and drying processes.