Sujin Kim is a contemporary jewellery artist living in South Korea. She explores the landscape of human emotion – loneliness, wounds, and recovery – through jewelry and objects. Her practice creates a tactile dialogue between rigid wood or metal and the softness of traditional Korean embroidery. By integrating the jaryeonsu technique, she adds organic depth to material forms.
What was the inspiration for your Steinbeisser pieces?
The pieces originated from my existing series, the Moment. My work focuses on capturing fleeting emotions and communicating these personal feelings with others. For the Steinbeisser pieces, I wanted to express how emotions—though experienced differently by each individual—can still be shared and connected. The geometric wooden forms evoke diverse fragments coming together as one, while the embroidered elements capture moments of quiet yet profound emotion.
Describe your work in 3 words!
Tactile. Emotional. Interconnected.
What kind of materials do you use and where do you get them from?
I combined wood with Korean traditional embroidery and metal crafting. I’m naturally drawn to materials that embody time or gracefully show the marks of aging. As for sourcing, I get all my supplies from various professional wholesalers.
Which conscious lifestyle choices are you making and are you considering any new ones?
I prioritize sustainability and longevity in everything I do. I consciously try to reduce the use of disposables in my daily life. Instead of convenience, I choose objects that can age beautifully with me. Currently, I’m considering new ways to expand this mindset into a complete zero-waste routine, moving beyond just my studio practices.
What have you rebelled against in the past and what are you rebelling against now?
I rebel against unnecessary consumption and the ‘disposable’ culture. Instead of following fast-paced trends, I choose to live slowly and consciously, valuing things that truly last.