Seok-hyeon Yoon is a designer living in the Netherlands and South Korea. He enjoys reevaluating everyday materials and objects that surround us. These surroundings often become the starting point for his design projects. He carefully observes and analyzes them, then connect them to design, the environment, society, and industry. His goal is to create materials and objects that support and enhance our daily lives.
What was the inspiration for your Steinbeisser pieces?
My work is rooted in nature and the inherent qualities of materials. Since the materiality of a resource determines the final object’s shape and use, I try to make that transition as aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective as possible.
Describe your work in 3 words!
Joy. of. Accumulation.
What kind of materials do you use and where do you get them from?
My current work focuses on Dutch natural materials, such as linen and wood, as part of my effort to source locally. The only exception is the traditional Korean ottchil lacquer that marks my identity, which I must bring from home as it’s not available in the region.
Which conscious lifestyle choices are you making and are you considering any new ones?
I choose happiness over convenience, even when it demands more time and resources. This philosophy guides my lifestyle, my interactions, and my vision for the future. Lately, the joy of starting a new project has me feeling incredibly inspired and excited.
What have you rebelled against in the past and what are you rebelling against now?
As a designer and artist, I used to communicate through the materials I chose and the methods I employed. Now, however, my focus has shifted toward a deeper inquiry, How did the world reach its current state? I find myself contemplating how to interpret this context and discover new artistic languages to engage with the world in more meaningful ways.