Since the early 1990s I have been creating ceramic sculpture but recently have been drawn to the construction of paper-based forms using Hanji and recycled paper. I enjoy using Hanji to create forms that are sometimes still utilitarian but have a sculptural form and meaning. I find myself creating objects that contain a social commentary. I believe that although meaning and statement in art is important, so too is craftsmanship and the ability of a piece to stand the test of time. I believe that art should create emotional movement, possibly enjoyment in the viewer, even though I understand that in the nature of art, each viewer may see something different.

I often use Hanji (Korean Paper) which can be made to create a wide range of effects, from large, structures reminiscent of wood or stone, to the thinnest of porcelain-like planes, all in the same piece with essentially the same material. As well as using finished Hanji, I also make my own papers out of natural fibres, such as Banana, Palm, and Lady Grass.

I have exhibited in Australia, and have had institutional purchases of some of my ceramic works. My last solo exhibition was at the Ku-Ring-Gai Art Centre, where I showed a variety of forms in both Hanji and ceramics, and more recently I’ve exhibited at the Willoughby Council Art Prize. I received first prize in the Port Stephens Art Prize for Fibre Art.

Minyoung Lee-Williams