We were lucky to catch up with Eunsuh Eunsuh Choi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eunsuh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was when I was a little girl, maybe six or seven years old. I used to make dresses for my Barbie dolls—not the kind you just clip on, but ones I actually sewed by hand. No patterns, no help. I’d sit quietly with scraps of fabric, needle and thread, and just make. I remember feeling so focused and alive in those moments, like the world around me disappeared.

What stood out even then was the joy of translating an idea into something real with my hands. It wasn’t just play—it felt like a tiny version of what I now recognize as my artistic process. That instinct to create, to shape beauty from nothing, stayed with me.

Later, I thought I might become a fashion designer, but my path eventually led me to glass. The common thread has always been a drive to express what’s inside me—my dreams, my emotions, my aspirations—through a tangible form. That first memory of sewing Barbie clothes was more than a childhood activity; it was the seed of a lifelong creative journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Eunsuh Choi, a glass artist based in Rochester, New York, and the founder of Choiglass Atelier—a studio where I create my own sculptural work and offer private flameworking classes in a focused, intimate setting.

My journey with glass began on February 2, 1998, when I started studying glass design in South Korea. By 1999, I had moved into hands-on glass studio practice, which eventually led me to pursue an MFA in glass at Kookmin University. In 2004, I came to the United States to continue developing my practice and immerse myself in a broader international glass community.

Since then, I’ve cultivated a unique body of work rooted in themes of aspiration, growth, and transformation. My sculptures are often built with delicate, linear glass elements—architectural, ladder-like forms that symbolize elevation, inner striving, and the emotional landscapes of hope and resilience.

At Choiglass Atelier, I produce original sculptures for exhibitions, collectors, and private commissions, while also offering one-on-one flameworking lessons. My studio is both a personal creative space and a teaching environment where focused, meaningful exploration is encouraged.

What sets my work apart is the emotional clarity and conceptual depth I bring to each piece. Every sculpture is made with deep intentionality—not just as a visual object, but as a reflection of human experience. I’m most proud of the consistency and honesty in my work over time, and the way my practice continues to evolve without losing its core values.

For those new to my work or studio, I want them to know that Choiglass Atelier is more than just a place to make glass—it’s a space where creativity, discipline, and vision come together to create something deeply personal and lasting.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that stands out is when I first moved to the United States in 2004. I came here with a dream to expand my glass art practice, but everything was unfamiliar—new language, new culture, new systems. I didn’t have a strong network yet, and navigating the art world here felt overwhelming. I remember moments when I questioned everything—whether I had made the right decision, whether I’d be able to find my place in this new landscape.

But what kept me grounded was my work. I found strength in the torch and the rhythm of making. Glass requires patience and control, and through that process, I was able to steady myself emotionally. I kept creating, even when it felt like no one was watching. I applied to shows, built connections one by one, and slowly started to establish a voice and presence within the glass art community.

It wasn’t easy—but I believe true resilience is about continuing even when nothing is guaranteed. I didn’t give up on my practice or my vision. That persistence eventually led to opportunities, recognition, and a growing circle of collectors and students who now follow my journey.

Looking back, I see that time not just as a challenge, but as the period that shaped the strength and clarity I carry into every piece I make today.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. At the heart of my creative journey is a mission to express the invisible—our emotions, dreams, inner struggles, and aspirations—through the language of glass. My goal is to create work that speaks to the human experience, especially the desire to grow, rise, and reach for something beyond the present moment.

Glass, with its fragility and strength, mirrors the duality of our lives. It can appear delicate, yet hold form with incredible resilience—just like people. Through my sculptures, especially those that feature ladder-like or architectural forms, I want to convey that quiet but powerful will to persevere, to elevate ourselves spiritually, emotionally, or creatively.

Another part of my mission is to share this medium with others—to create space for learning, reflection, and personal connection through Choiglass Atelier. Teaching is not just about technique; it’s about encouraging others to find their own voice and rhythm in the material. I see my studio as a sanctuary for intentional creativity.

In the end, my journey is about creating work that invites contemplation, encourages resilience, and honors the beauty of striving. Whether someone encounters my sculpture in a gallery or takes a class in my studio, I hope they feel inspired to reflect on their own path and what it means to keep moving forward—no matter how difficult or delicate the climb.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choiglass

Image Credits

Eunsuh Choi, Elizabeth Torgerson-Lamark