The Gangjin Experience

Quick Note: The dates for the 2013 Gangjin Experience are  either  July 27  to August 04 or August 03-11, 2013.  We will post the definitive information here as soon as we receive positive word from Gangjin.  I am truly sorry for any confusion related to this matter.  Arrival is usually a day or two earlier and the tour will end  August 11 or August 18. 
The blog is set up with links represented by the word 'Next' at the end of each post.  Please click on each link at the end of each post to follow the information in sequence.  After looking at all the posts on this blog you may still need more information. We are attempting to answer all questions on this blog so your other questions are appreciated and helpful.

 

The above image is of just one of several buildings that form the Gangjin Celadon Complex.  This particular building is the museum that holds historic work and tells the story of Gangjin's celadon history.  In future posts, I'll introduce aspects of the Gangjin Celadon Complex in more detail.  But now I'd simply like you to view a slide show I produced earlier.  To view it you will have to download Quicktime and go to our web site.  When you do that, please remember that this is the up to date site on the 2013 experience.  Much of the information on the web site is out of date and I won't be able to change it anytime soon.  Its more difficult to edit and post on that website than this blog.  To view the slide show, download Quicktime and go to the Gangjin Slideshow.   The show will give you a little more insight on what to expect in Gangjin.  

Morning Earth Korea grew out of our pottery we call simply Morning Earth.  We have been during research into Korean ceramics for many years and began taking ceramic tours to Korea more than 15 years ago.  In the process we developed friendships with many of the country's leading ceramic artists.  We have always taken tours to Gangjin and often to their festival.  To separate our personal pottery and our interest in promoting Korean arts and culture we coined the term Morning Earth Korea.  Morning Earth Korea does many things to promote Korean arts and culture.  
Several years ago we developed a plan with the officials in Gangjin to provide an exhibit opportunity and series of workshops presented by significant Korean ceramic artists for international ceramic artists such as yourself and The Gangjin Experience with International Korean Ceramic Artists Tour was formed.  Since that time we have introduced more than 100 ceramic artists from about 25 countries to Gangjin and during the tour to some of the most interesting and finest ceramic artists in Korea.

Over the years several developments have taken place like invitations for members of our artist's group to exhibit in other areas of Korea and to study individually with some of the artists we meet.  You will hear more about those opportunities later.  But essentially that is what this is all about - an opportunity for you - at costs that are as reasonable as possible - to experience the heart of Korean ceramics.  We do this at no profit to ourselves simply to introduce you to the world that is Korean Ceramics.  We truly hope that you will be able to join us.  If you would like to apply, simply register and we will send you an official application form.  Fill it out and return it with some digital images of the work you would like to submit for the exhibit.  It is a adjudicated application but we hope that all who are truly interested will be able to have this experience.  

Next

Would you like to learn about these events another way?  Click onto these various links.

Welcome       Registration      Itinerary

The Gangjin Experience       Testimonies

The Exhibit       Some Questions and Answers 

Registration

 Demonstrating Celadon Carving

Registration:

To register,  please provide:

1.  Your name

2. Name of your pottery if applicable.

3.  e-mail Address

4.  Mailing Address

5.  Phone Number

6.  Website if you have one

Your mailing address, phone number and web site are optional for registration. Your mailing address and phone number are required for final application.  Providing your web site is always optional and will have no bearing on your acceptance or rejection.  You will receive information on Korea if you include your address when you register with us. 

We will never sell or give your information to others beyond this project that includes our travel agent, when you book your tour, and Korean National Tourism, when we ask them to send you information on Korea, The City of Gangjin for exhibition and hotel booking purposes and us.

Registration: Link

Registering with us is not the same as applying for consideration to exhibit and attend the Gangjin International Ceramic Artist Exhibit, Workshop and International Korean Ceramics Tour.

We ask you to register because we need some idea how many artists are planning on applying for these events.  

We are relying on word of mouth and our e-mail network to get this information to international artists.   

If you register we urge you to follow this blog.  If you are an official follower, you will automatically receive notice when new information is posted.  This is the official spot for up to date information on the Gangjin Experience and International Ceramic Artist’s Tour.

If we can be of service or if you have questions, please contact us.

To register, click on the link above.  Depending on your computer an email page will pop up.  Simply provide the information requested.  Thanks. 

Next

Would you like to learn about these events another way?  Click onto these various links.

Welcome       Registration      Itinerary

The Gangjin Experience       Testimonies

The Exhibit       Some Questions and Answers 

Some Questions and Answers

Check the comments below:

This post is particularly for applicants. 
Q: 
When is the due date for our applications?  
A: 

We suggest that you apply now.  However, the tentative due date is May 15th 2013.  Note: That “due date” will change if all positions are filled before that date. Continue reading for explanation. 
Q:  
What is the selection process? This is my Q to give you some insight into their selection process and give you some advice. 
A:  The 2013 selection process is different.  Essentially, the first 10 countries that apply are allocated two spots.  Those first two spots for each country are selected on a first come/first qualified basis. Should artists from fewer than 10 countries apply the remaining openings will be allocated based on two factors: Country and Quality.

They did this to benefit the accepted applicants allowing them to purchase their air earlier and possibly save some money. 

If your country's 'quota' is filled, you still have an excellent chance to be accepted.  We have never had applicants from 10 countries apply.
The national government provides funds for international participants.  From Gangjin's perspective, the more countries represented the better.  I also believe that if you were not selected one year you should apply the next year because I believe your chances will increase.  This last is not official but just my observations.  I will keep your registration and contact you as soon as I know if they want me to help again. 
Please also let me know if for any reason you can't apply this year. but have registered.  I have no budget for advertising so with the fewer applicants the possibility of an applicants being selected for these unique experiences is much higher. Even late applicants have have an excellent chance for acceptance - much better than the lottery and for some participants nearly as valuable.  Many participants who have traveled with us before have been invited to exhibit in several exhibits in Korea, four participants have studied with Korean ceramic artists and some are invited back each year as their country's representative in another prestigious international ceramic festival.  Those opportunities open during the International Ceramic Artist's tour that follows the Gangjin Experience.  You never know what doors will open during your travels with us.   
What happens if you are not accepted this year?  Not being selected doesn't necessarily mean they don't like your work.  This year it also depends on timing so get your applications to me ASAP.  Remember that quality of work comes first,  then country of origin.  They will postpone acceptance even from the first applicant if they are looking for something different.  If you are not accepted this year, I highly recommend that you apply for next year.  Don't think of it as a rejection but as a "not yet".  So try again. 
Q: 

What happens if I am selected?   
A:  
I'll answer this after Gangjin completes the selection process.  Sorry.  I won't have all the details until then and also want to give this answer only to selected participants. 
Q: 
If accepted, may I bring my husband, wife or significant partner?   

A: 
This will depend on how many sign up for the tour.  We cap the tour size so that we can visit the studios of various artists.  There may be room for a few adult family guests in any case so if you are interested in this possibility let me know as soon as possible.  Acceptance for a 'spouse' will occur on a first come basis with preference to husbands, wives, live with partners and possibly other adult family members, not your potter friend who didn't apply or received a "not yet".  Gangjin will also pay for the room and meals for your guest during their stay in Gangjin.  So it is a good deal for them.  This acceptance is based on the tour because we do need a certain number of participants for the tour to happen.  Remember it is on the tour that other possibilities open such as additional exhibit possibilities and opportunities to study with artists in Korea.   
Q: 
Can we extend the Korean Ceramic tour to Japan or China? 
A: 
That depends totally on interest and if we can form a group.  If you are interested in going to Japan or China after the Korean tour please let me know after you are accepted.  If I have at least 10 potential participants, I will form a group and develop a tour to either country.  
Q:
Why is there a tour of Korea after the Gangjin Experience? 
A: 
The Gangjin Experience exists because of the tours.  We at Morning Earth Korea worked with Gangjin to have them develop this Exhibit/Workshop/Tour opportunity for international ceramic artists.

The purpose for the Gangjin Experience and the International Artist's Korean Ceramic Tour is to provide international ceramic artists the opportunity to experience Korean ceramics in depth.  If a participant only experiences Gangjin, they are not seeing the whole picture that is ceramics in Korea.  On the tour participants will meet personally with some of Korea's most respected ceramic artists in their homes and studios.  During the tour participants will be experiencing the depth of Korean ceramics and in the process opportunities will develop for additional exhibits and even the opportunity to study with artists.  This tour has received rave reviews and should not be missed. 
We personally want you to participate in the Korean Potters Tour because we want you to see the great work being produced and meet the artists in this very friendly pottery rich country.

When you apply we assume that you are applying for both the Gangjin Experience and the International Ceramic Artist's Tour  They are connected.   However, your participation in the tour will not affect your acceptance to the Gangjin Experience.  So if you are not available for the tour, please let us know. 
Please officially sign up to follow this blog.  

Ask your questions in the comment section.   Only your participation will make this blog work.  My hope is that creating these blogs will eventually help you connect with other international potters, share experiences and keep connected.  You never know what a group of international ceramic artists can accomplish together.
Register now to receive your application and more information as it becomes available.

Next

You might be interested in some other blogs and web sites that will give you a little more flavor of Korean ceramics.

www.MorningCraneTea.blogspot.com

www.Dawan-Chawan-Chassabal.blogspot.com

www.GangjinCeladon.com 
www.KoreanOnggi.com

If you haven’t visited our web site the address is: www.GangjinExhibit.com. That web site needs considerable updating but contains information that might interest you.  Now most of that information has been transferred to this blog.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Would you like to learn about these events another way?  Click onto these various links.

Welcome       Registration      Itinerary

The Gangjin Experience       Testimonies

The Exhibit       Some Questions and Answers 

PS: Please check our comment

Welcome to The Gangjin Experience

Welcome to the Gangjin Exhibit, Workshop and Tour blog.

  Our title photo was taken by Chris Wilks the partner of  Elise Bishop one of the 2009 exhibitors who walked up the mountain above the Gangjin celadon complex to get this photo.  This huge complex, for producing and promoting ceramics, is just one of at least nine such complexes in South Korea.  Imagine, South Korea is only the size of Hungary in Europe and/or the state of Indiana in the USA. The photo illustrates the commitment South Korea has to ceramics. We will visit some of these ceramic complexes on our International Ceramic Artist's Tour of Korea.  It would take us at least two weeks to visit all nine and also see just a few ceramic artists.  The full photo is below and shows the bay and some islands in the distance.  

Gangjin sits at the end of a large inlet and was the major port for shipping celadon.  It is estimated that 80% of the ancient celadon in international major museums comes from Gangjin. There were also many ship wrecks of pottery found in the inlets and bays off the countless nearby islands. Nearby museums display these recovered ship wrecks.  Six hundred years ago, pirates invaded this area many times ultimately leading to the diminished importance of celadon.  During the Imjin or "Potter's War" Japanese ships invaded this area only to be driven off by some very innovative folk who created a scarecrow army.  The entire area is rich in history and culture.  Major Seon or "Zen" Buddhist temples known for Tea are nearby as is the Bosong tea plantation and many potters of all types live near here. Korean Seon Buddhism is the purest form of "Zen" in the world.      

To follow this blog in sequence please cleck the word 'Next' at or near the end of each post. 

This blog is public but intended for  those who are considering joining us for the upcoming Gangjin Experience and International Ceramic Artist's Tour or have participated in The Gangjin Experience and one of our tours.

I hope that we will be able to answer your questions about these experiences.
We at Morning Earth Korea can develop similar tours on many topics for your group.  Contact us if you are interested.  But don't click this link if your interest is ceramics and the Gangjin Experience and International Ceramic Artist's Tour.  That link comes later.

NOTE:

Not everyone who applies is accepted but my personal goal is that everyone who is interested in experiencing Korean ceramics will have that opportunity.  That is my pledge to you.

Next

Would you like to learn about these events another way?  Click onto these various links.

Welcome       Registration      Itinerary

The Gangjin Experience       Testimonies

The Exhibit       Some Questions and Answers