an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with nature-inspired elements evocative of coral or flowers

Idiosyncratic Ceramic Sculptures by Janny Baek Evoke Nature and Desire

“I think of my pieces as life forms that are in the process of transforming in ways that may be both wonderful and strange,” says artist Janny Baek, whose otherworldly ceramics (previously) merge vibrant color, eclectic motifs, and botanical details.

“I’ve been incorporating blooming flowers and puffy clouds into my work to think about our intimate and complicated relationship to the natural world,” the artist tells Colossal. “Changes in shape and color imply tendencies, possibilities, desire. Familiar forms, like the open vessel, plant forms, and heads, are a way for me to connect to the lineage of making and hand-building with clay.”

an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with nature-inspired elements evocative of coral or flowers“Olive” (2024), colored porcelain, 16 x 14 x 11 inches

Baek explores the relationship between nature, science fiction, and fantasy in her sculptures, which are often around a foot tall and wide but sometimes reach up to 20 inches high. Some sprout coral-like appendages or appear to stand on four legs.

The artist has focused on colored porcelain using the nerikomi technique, in which multiple pigmented clays combine to create a marbling or patterned effect. Baek recently began working with rougher, sandy stoneware, which affords more freedom to scale up in size and complexity.

“I love to have the freedom to incorporate different materials and ways of making when it fits the work,” Baek says. “Even if I shift materials or techniques, I’m always drawing from the main foundational ideas that drive my work.”

“Walking Cloudbloom” is included in the Korean International Ceramics Biennale exhibit at the Gyeonggi Museum of Ceramic Design in South Korea. She is also working toward a three-person show at ArtYard in Frenchtown, New Jersey, scheduled to open in February. Find more on Baek’s website and Instagram.

an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with nature-inspired elements evocative of coral or flowers“Walking Cloudbloom” (2024)

an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with nature-inspired elements evocative of coral or flowersAlternate view of “Flower Power”

an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with nature-inspired elements evocative of coral or flowers“Blended Party” (2024)

a detail of an abstract, colorful ceramic sculptureDetail of “Blended Party”

a ceramic vase with a number of colorful flower blossoms on a blue backgroundFrom the ‘Flowering Vessel’ series (2024)

an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with a linear texture and a color gradient from green to orange to yellow“Sweater-wearing Beast” (2023)

an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with nature-inspired elements evocative of coral or flowers“Cloudbloom with Small Clouds” (2024)

a detail of an abstract, colorful ceramic sculpture with nature-inspired elements evocative of coral or flowersDetail of “Cloudbloom with Small Clouds”

a studio view of ceramic sculptures in progress, featuring numerous colors and botanical or coral-inspired shapesWork in progress in the studio

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member now, and support independent arts publishing.

Hide advertising

Save your favorite articles

Get 15% off in the Colossal Shop

Receive members-only newsletter

Give 1% for art supplies in K-12 classrooms


Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *