The Gangjin International Ceramic Exhibit

This summer Gangjin will invite between fourteen and twenty international ceramic artists to participate in an exhibit, a series of ceramic workshops and an optional tour.  The invitations will come after an adjudication process of your work.

Gangjin is simply looking for quality ceramic work and makes no limitations on type, style, glaze etc.  Prior exhibits have been diverse.

This is a link to the posting of an earlier exhibit on our website  Recently these exhibits are being displayed in the main gallery under glass. Use the back button there to return to this site.

Accepted artists are responsible for getting work to and from the exhibit.  This should not be a problem since artists will also be attending the accompanying workshop.  For prior exhibits, work accompanied the artists on their plane.  Usually just one piece is accepted.

Representatives from Gangjin will transport artists to Gangjin after arriving at the Incheon/Seoul airport.  Participants arrive at the international airport, stay overnight nearby and travel by bus to Gangjin the following morning.  It is a 5-8 hour ride depending on traffic.  Airfare is not provided by Gangjin.

Gangjin will provide accommodations, meals, transportation and a series of free workshops with exceptional Korean ceramic artists while in Gangjin.  The non-profit International Ceramic Artist's tour of South Korea follows our participation in Gangjin.  Gangjin along with Morning Earth Korea are subsidizing a portion of this tour.  If there is sufficient interest there is a possibility of extending that tour to Japan or China also at no profit.

The Exhibition Selection Committee in Gangjin, Korea will adjudicate this exhibit and workshop opportunity.

The dates of the exhibit are in late July or early August.  Contact us for this year's specific dates.  As stated, exhibiting artists are responsible for their work both to the exhibit and its return.  If you are on the tour, your work will be delivered to our hotel in Seoul prior to your home departure. 

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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 

Testimonies On Gangjin and the Tour

No matter what I may say about the Gangjin Experience and tour, those who have actually been there and traveled with us say it best.  Following are a few of the statements we received.

 

To Arthur and Mary,

Participating in the Gangjin Celadon Festival was one of the most inspiring experiences in my ceramics career.  I feel very privileged to have taken part in the tour facilitated by Morning Earth, and it was a deep honour to meet, and see working, such accomplished ceramists as those we were lucky enough to visit.  Thank-you Gangjin and Morning Earth!

Elise Bishop, New Zealand

Having never been to Korea before, I was excited and somewhat unsure of what to expect.

The entire trip was a fantastic learning experience with a fun group of like minded artists.  Arthur and Mary provided a wide variety of activities as well as in depth clay experience.  We participated in several workshops and got to know many Korean potters, all who were kind and generous people.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, including the great friends we made.

Good Luck!

Rachel Garrison, USA

Thank you very much about everything you did. It’s feeling now like a really good dream that I dreamt… the Gangjin occurrence. But it is not dream and I did take a part in all this beauty. Thanks a lot!!! I told and I’m telling everybody about this amazing opportunity that I had and that they not allowed to miss, I believe next year you will have a hard time to choose who will join your journey. You will have lot of potters.

Thanks again, feel free to upload my pictures.

Shaked Kaplan, Israel / Canada

One evening her 'friends' convinced Shaked to teach us Israeli Belly dancing.  A great spontaneous time was enjoyed by all.

I was one of the lucky 20 invited guests to the International Ceramics Workshop at the 37th Gangjin Celadon Festival in the summer of 2009.  Arthur and Mary Park of Morning Earth Pottery were responsible for the entire happening which was an extraordinary experience for me.  During those two weeks, we were celebrated, had our work beautifully displayed, got instruction from master potters in Korean ceramic techniques, and toured throughout the country with emphasis on ceramics.  Those two weeks were life changing and eye opening for me.  Arthur and Mary Park couldn't have been more accommodating and knowledgeable.  I couldn't recommend this experience more highly.

Sincerely,  Larry Stern, NY, USA

I met Arthur and Mary Park at the Mungyeong Chassabal festival while I was on a trip to Korea to visit my daughter.  

I knew I had to go back and was thrilled to be invited to be a part of the Gangjin International Celadon Festival in 2009, and the accompanying tour.

The Gangjin festival organizers were generous with their accommodation of the group, subsidizing the stay, providing thought provoking workshops daily and exhibiting our work in splendid fashion in the main building and in the excellent exhibition catalogue.

Arthur and Mary, using their knowledge, arranged so many wonderful opportunities; museums, visits to well known artists studios, wonderful meals and entertainment, shopping.Korean/English translation was an integral part of the trip.  I will keep in touch with my new friends from Australia, Israel, the USA, Korea and Canada. I have so much to learn from them and from Korea, as I continue my exploration of clay.

Next time I go Korea I plan for the time to be a study trip.

Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful experience.

Heather Hannaford, Canada

 . . . The festival was a celebration of Korean culture, alive with color, food, traditional crafts, warm friendly people, parades, dances, flowers, tea, and much more, and of course ceramics, especially celadon. . . 

I was amazed to see the respect that people had for ceramics and the artists. Young children were eager to throw pots on the wheel; they seemed engaged and knowledgeable while visiting The Celadon Museum.The following week we went on a bus tour with Arthur and Mary Park.  The tour was partly subsidized by Gangjin City, US Travel and Morning Earth Tours. It was terrific. I loved being in the company of fellow artists. . . .

Many of the people we visited live in remote villages and small towns.  We were welcomed with their hospitality and generosity. We got to see parts of Korea that most tourists never see. . . .I would definitely recommend ceramic artists to apply for next year's exhibit and tour. Good luck.

Nuala Creed,  Ireland/ USA

To read more by Nuala, click here: Nuala.

. . . Whoever is reading this Testimony is obviously interested, so don’t wait another second to fill in the application as this will be a life changing experience to anyone who loves CERAMICS.

Robyn Gill, Qld, Australia

To read more by Robyn, click here: Robyn

I also recently found this link posted by Cheryl Tall

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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 

Full Testimony Robyn Gill, Qld., Australia

After a 3 month AIR in Jingdezhen, China 2008 I was overwhelmed when I received notice that I had been selected to participate in the 37th Gangjin Celadon Festival.  Only 20 Artists are selected from around the world.  This tour included Artists from the U.S. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and Europe and this experience has been the highlight of my Ceramic career.  We met and worked with so many different Artists.

After the Festival we toured South Korea with the group and visited many National Treasures and their Studios.  No matter where we went in South Korea everyone was so giving and friendly.  I will never forget the hospitality we all received during the two weeks in South Korea.

One of the last days in South Korea we visited the Studio of Mooto Jeon Seong-Keun in Yeoju and when we were inside I realized that I had first seen his work in a publication in China and one of my pieces selected for the Gangjin Exhibition was inspired by his work.

My husband & I continued on to China where I did another AIR @ Sanbao Ceramic & Art Institute.  After a couple of days Arthur informed me that I was lucky enough to be invited back to Korea to study Porcelain Carving with Mooto Seong-Keun (Korea’s top Porcelain Carver).  We were welcomed into their Studio, home and dinner table.  I am so privileged to have spent this time with Mooto and I have many cherished memories, new ideas & new ways to Carve Porcelain.

It is impossible to say everything about all the Korean people we met and worked with, but I am sure they all know how much we appreciated their never ending Friendship & Hospitality.

All the friendships we have made with the other Artists selected for this tour is the other bonus of this trip.

Humungous thanks to Arthur & Mary without whom this amazing trip would not have been possible.

Whoever is reading this Testimony is obviously interested, so don’t wait another second to fill in the application as this will be a life changing experience to anyone who loves CERAMICS.

Thank-you Gangjin and Morning Earth!

Robyn Gill, Qld., Australia

We know that you are interested in seeing what Robyn did under Master Jeon.  Who knows, you may be the next to study with Master Jeon or another artist.  But of course we can’t promise that will happen.

Robyn Carving and Robyn’s Carving

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Welcome       Registration      Itinerary

The Gangjin Experience       Testimonies

The Exhibit       Some Questions and Answers 

Full Testimony Nuala Creed, Ireland/USA

In August 2009 I had the privilege of going to Korea as a exhibiting artist in the Gangjin Celadon Festival. It was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Nuala Creed with Darwin from another exhibit

 

I was one of twenty visiting artists. We were from the U.S. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and Europe.  For the week of the festival all our living expenses were paid for by the city of Gangjin.  That included meals, hotel and transport to and from the festival. The festival was a celebration of Korean culture, alive with color, food, traditional crafts, warm friendly people, parades, dances, flowers, tea, and much more, and of course ceramics, especially celadon. We met and had workshops with some of Korea's best-known ceramic artists. In turn we each gave a demonstration at the festival that attracted a large group of people who chatted to us as we worked. We had students as our interpreters as we demonstrated. People waved and talked to us as we wandered about the festival. Much of our communication was with body language that was fun and creative.

I was amazed to see the respect that people had for ceramics and the artists. Young children were eager to throw pots on the wheel; they seemed engaged and knowledgeable while visiting The Celadon Museum.

The following week we went on a bus tour with Arthur and Mary Park.  The tour was partly subsidized by Gangjin City, US Travel and Morning Earth Tours. It was terrific. I loved being in the company of fellow artists.  We visited Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Korea, and Mungyeong, a very important tea bowl village, also Yeoju, Icheon and Kwangju the three cities featured in the World Ceramic Exposition.  Arthur and Mary arranged for us to visit many of the Human Cultural Treasures of Korea. (These are artist that are so skilled and respected in their craft that the government recognizes them, and gives them financial assistance towards their living expenses.) Many of the people we visited live in remote villages and small towns.  We were welcomed with their hospitality and generosity. We got to see parts of Korea that most tourists never see.  We also visited Buddhist monasteries in the mountains. And a tea plantation, with an incredible hike. Korea is indeed picturesque. It also has amazing museums that are well attended. Our tour ended with three days in Seoul. It’s a big city with much of interest to do and see. We stayed in a lovely hotel near Insadong art market and gallery district.

I would definitely recommend ceramic artists to apply for next year's exhibit and tour. Good luck.

Nuala Creed,  Ireland/ USA

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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 

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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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