Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daeun Lim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Daeun, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My work explores the relationship between objects and humans, aiming to propose new possibilities that go beyond societal expectations that is given to object-human relationship. Central to my practice is questioning the given norm and embracing the value of failure. I make my objects with a belief that objects are not just functional or utilitarian but hold the power to reflect our lives and identities, opening up new perspectives.

This mission is meaningful to me because I believe it tells a story that hasn’t been represented much by being deeply connected to my personal experiences. My work often delves into the imperfections and insecurities that I face living everyday life as living in a body of myself-woman, asian, and so on.

Through these explorations, I aim to highlight how objects can serve as more than tools—they become mediators of identity and vessels for emotional connection. This purpose is the core of my creative practice.

Daeun, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am originally from Busan, South Korea, recently completed my MFA at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. My journey in ceramics began in 2012 during my undergraduate studies at Ewha Woman’s University in Seoul, South Korea. My work has evolved to focus on designing and creating functional objects, while also delving into digital fabrication techniques.

No need to mention the inherital bound to the craft of medium I use-which involves care to the material and mastering of skills, craft is a profound expression of care for the objects that inhabit our lives. It goes beyond mere functionality; it’s about planting meaning and intention to objects. Craftsmanship prompts us to consider not just what we have, but why and its knock on effects in our experiences. It sparks conversations about the values we hold, the lifestyles we lead, and the stories we tell. This deep connection between craft and life is what drew me to this field. I saw craft in my work as a powerful medium to engage in meaningful dialogues about the human experience, to explore the essence of existence through the creation of tangible, functional art forms.

In my work, I explore the spectrum of object functionality, ranging from objects that serve no practical purpose to those with very specific roles like watching Netflix. I see these objects as more than just functional tools; they are manifestations of craft that reflect our relationship with the world around us. Each object tells a story, not just about its intended use, but also about the values, I believe every object is a reflection of our identity and our place in the world. Through my work, I aim to amplify these conversations, inviting viewers to contemplate the function and meaning in the objects that surround us.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I graduated from art school in Korea, I was making sculptural works about ‘memory,’ focusing on personal experiences and emotions. After graduation, my dad confronted me about my work, saying, ‘Make something useful.’ At the time, it felt like a rejection of everything I had worked so hard to express. But it wasn’t just a conflict with my dad—it reflected a broader conflict I was facing with a world that constantly questions the usefulness of what I do as an artist, and as a member of society.

That tension stayed with me, becoming a source of inner conflict but also a driving force. It pushed me to question the meaning of ‘usefulness.’ Through that struggle, I started thinking about functionality not just in practical terms but in broader, more conceptual ways. I began exploring how objects could function emotionally, philosophically, or symbolically. This shift has since become central to my work, turning that initial point of friction into the foundation of my practice and my exploration of the boundaries of functionality.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I had known about artist residencies opportunities earlier in my creative journey. These resources not only provide valuable technical and professional experience but also help you build a network within the art community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Daeun.work
• Instagram: daeun.works

Image Credits

Alexander johnson