YÉOL Artisan of the Year on Cahier de Seoul

The Korean–French blog Cahier de Seoul recently featured the YÉOL Artisan of the Year project. The article focused on the collaboration between master craftsman Kim Soo-Young and designer Gio Kisang, who were awarded together for their work on Yugi bronze tableware. For this project, I documented the process through both film and photography. The aim was to observe how traditional craft and contemporary design meet without forcing a narrative.

Yugi Bronze and Craft Tradition

Yugi bronze tableware, also known as Bangjja, is considered an intangible cultural heritage in Korea. Its high tin content gives it antibacterial properties and makes it suitable for everyday use. Over time, the surface develops a subtle patina rather than wearing down. Historically, Yugi was used by Korean nobility. As kitchens and habits changed, its weight and size made it less practical. Today, only a small number of craftsmen continue the tradition.

Filming the Making Process

I filmed the project in and around the workshop, focusing on the physical nature of the work. Forging Yugi depends heavily on heat, timing, and repetition. Fire and metal shape the rhythm of the process. To contrast this intensity, the film Memories of an Artisan places the work within a winter landscape. Snow, ice, and stillness create a second layer that frames the craft without explaining it.

Photographing the Finished Work

Alongside the film, I photographed the finished tableware in a studio setting. I chose a simple white background to remove context and focus on form, surface, and proportion. This approach allowed the objects to stand on their own. The images highlight how Gio Kisang’s contemporary design choices sit naturally within a long-standing craft tradition.

The Role of YÉOL

The project was supported by YÉOL, which has worked since 2002 to support traditional craftsmanship. Through programs such as the Artisan of the Year award, YÉOL helps sustain practices that require time, skill, and long-term commitment. Kim Soo-Young, who has worked with bronze for more than four decades and is based in Anseong, continues to pass this knowledge forward through daily practice rather than instruction.

Working Across Film and Photography

For me, this project was about observing rather than interpreting. Film and photography served different roles. The film follows movement, heat, and sound. The photographs slow things down and focus on surface and shape. Together, they form a quiet record of a craft that continues to evolve without losing its foundation.