Yoon Hee Kim

From Tall Cylinders to Moon Jars

sep2027

Coming Soon

Five days of pottery, creativity and inspiration in the Italian countryside.

Join us at Terracotta Studio for an immersive pottery experience with Yoon Hee Kim, an internationally recognized American Korean ceramic artist and master of  wheel throwing and Moon Jar making.

Set among flowers, nature and the quiet beauty of the countryside near Bergamo, this special workshop brings together expert tuition, hands-on practice, exceptional food and the relaxed atmosphere of Italian country living.

Whether you are looking to refine your existing skills or push your practice in new directions, Yoon will guide you through a workshop full of demonstrations, individual guidance and focused exploration.

THE MASTERCLASS

Throughout the week, Yoon will adapt the program to the group’s experience and progress, working closely with each participant to develop technique, precision and confidence.

Two signature programs, Tall Cylinder Throwing and Moon Jar Making, joined into one

This five-day workshop combines two of Yoon Lab’s signature programs, Tall Cylinder Throwing and Moon Jar Making, into one immersive learning experience. Students will explore the foundations of traditional Korean wheel throwing, learning to center larger amounts of clay with less physical effort, build taller cylinders with even wall thickness, and gradually transform these forms into traditional Korean Moon Jars. Through hands-on instruction, the workshop also explores the history, philosophy, and aesthetics of Korean Moon Jars, connecting traditional techniques with cultural understanding.

Of course, students will also have the opportunity to explore his distinctive brush calligraphy: the expressive, spontaneous marks that bring his vessels to life. They will discover how movement, rhythm, pressure and gesture can become a visual language, and how decoration can be an extension of the making process itself.

Ultimately, these four days are an invitation to learn from an artist who brings together technical knowledge, artistic curiosity and a deeply personal approach to ceramics. Students will leave not only with new skills and practical knowledge, but also with fresh ideas, greater confidence and inspiration to push their own work further.

MEET YOUR TEACHER

Join Korean ceramic artist Yoon Hee Kim for an inspiring workshop exploring the beauty, philosophy and techniques of traditional Korean pottery. Drawing on years of dedicated practice and training with master potters in Korea, Yoon brings a thoughtful and contemporary approach to the wheel, combining traditional knowledge with a deep sensitivity to form, balance and movement.

Yoon Hee Kim is a Korean ceramic artist and educator specializing in traditional Korean wheel throwing and Moon Jar making. After studying Design at the School of Visual Arts in New York, she spent several years training with master potters in South Korea. With over a decade of ceramic practice, she teaches Korean throwing techniques through workshops internationally, sharing the methods, efficiency, and craftsmanship that have shaped her own practice.

PHILOSOPHY Making is Meditation. Mindful repetition, efficient body mechanics, and a sustainable wheel practice.

Through her workshop, participants will discover the principles behind Korean wheel-throwing techniques, learning how to work with larger amounts of clay, develop taller and more refined forms, and approach the making process with greater control, confidence and intention. Particular attention will be given to the creation of the iconic Korean Moon Jar, exploring its beautiful proportions, subtle asymmetry and seemingly effortless simplicity.

Beyond technical skills, Yoon Hee will share the philosophy behind her practice, encouraging students to slow down, become more attentive to the clay and discover the meditative qualities of throwing. Her teaching offers a wonderful opportunity to experience a different ceramic tradition, gain new perspectives on form and craftsmanship, and bring fresh inspiration into one's own creative practice.

the workshop AT Terracotta STUDIO

THE STUDIO

Our workshops are about more than pottery. They are an invitation to slow down, exchange ideas, discover new skills and enjoy a week surrounded by nature, food and creativity.

A typical workshop day runs from 09:30 am to 16:00 pm.

Each day includes:

  • Hands-on pottery sessions and demonstrations.

  • A freshly prepared lunch shared at the farm.

  • An Italian aperitivo, a drink or gelato to close the day.

  • Daily transport between the hotel and studio.

There will be time to enjoy the surrounding area, with optional trips to Bergamo, Milan or Lake Garda and more for those who would like to explore beyond the studio.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Five days of teaching and demonstrations.

  • Clay and workshop materials, tools, etc

  • Freshly prepared lunches every workshop day.

  • A Goodbye brunch at the farm.

  • Daily Italian aperitivo, drinks or gelato.

  • A Sunday flower workshop.

  • Daily hotel–studio transfers.

  • Packing materials to take your tools home safely.

ACCOMMODATION

Four nights in a private room at Hotel Marelet, just five minutes from the studio.

Let us know so we book for you.

Accommodation: €550 per person.

Your room is reserved from the afternoon before the workshop begins, with checkout on the final day. Daily transfers to and from the farm are included.

If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, you are welcome to arrange additional nights directly with your chosen accommodation.

STUDIO LOCATION

Giulietta&Terracotta Studio — Flower Farm & Pottery Studio

Via Castolda 51
24047 Treviglio, Bergamo, Italy

Located in the countryside near Bergamo, our studio offers a welcoming setting where ceramics, flowers, food and nature come together.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Optional excursions and train tickets are arranged separately.

How to reach Terracotta Studio

Terracotta Studio is easily accessible from the main airports in the Milan and Bergamo area. Guests arriving at Bergamo Airport can either take a bus to Bergamo Train Station and then a train to Treviglio, or make use of our dedicated airport transfer service. On the first and last days of the workshop, we will provide transportation between Bergamo Airport and the studio, with one scheduled departures at 15:00

Guests arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport can take a train to Milano Centrale and then continue to Treviglio Station. From Milan Linate Airport, take Metro Line M4 to Milano Forlanini Station, followed by a train to Treviglio.

For all train journeys, please make sure to get off at Treviglio Station, where we will arrange your pick-up and transfer to the studio. If you are arriving by train, please inform us of your expected arrival time at least one day in advance, so we can coordinate your transfer.

WORKSHOP Topics

Day 1 – FOUNDATION & CONTROL:

Understanding Clay & Building Height 2 kg toward a 30 cm cylinder

  • Introduction to Korean wheel throwing principles

  • Efficient techniques for cantering larger amounts of clay

  • Opening and establishing a strong, stable base

  • Hand positioning and controlled pulls for building height

  • Working with 2 kg of clay toward a 30 cm cylinder

  • Guided practice with individual feedback

Day 2 – INCREASING CLAY & HEIGHT

Throwing Taller with Less Effort, 3 kg to 4 kg, toward 38 cm and 46 cm

  • Day One recap and troubleshooting common challenges

  • Progressing from 3 kg to 4 kg of clay

  • Working toward cylinder heights of 38 cm and 46 cm

  • Maintaining even wall thickness, balance, and structure

  • Understanding clay distribution and efficient movement

  • Guided practice with individual feedback

Day 3 – FROM CYLINDER TO FORM

The Foundations of a Moon Jar, From tall cylinder to rounded form

  • Recap of tall cylinder techniques

  • Introduction to the history and philosophy of Korean Moon Jars

  • Understanding proportion, balance, and clay distribution

  • Preparing a tall cylinder as the foundation of a Moon Jar

  • Demonstration of expanding volume while maintaining structure

  • Guided practice transitioning from cylinders to rounded forms

Day 4 – MOON JAR MAKING

Creating Volume & Balance, A traditional Moon Jar from 4 kg

  • Day Three recap and troubleshooting

  • Throwing a traditional Korean Moon Jar using approximately 4kg of clay

  • Expanding the cylinder into a rounded form

  • Controlling wall thickness, proportion, and overall balance

  • Refining the silhouette and finishing the form

  • Guided practice with individual feedback

Day 4 – REFINEMENT & REFLECTION

Trimming Demo & Reflection

  • Review of the techniques developed throughout the workshop

  • Traditional Korean Moon Jar trimming demonstration

  • Understanding foot proportions, balance, and finishing techniques

  • Introduction to traditional Korean trimming tools and their uses

  • Final questions, individual feedback, and discussion

  • Closing reflection on developing a sustainable, long term pottery practice

City Tours

City Tours

Bergamo Old Town

Milan

Lake Garda / Sirmione

BOOK YOUR PLACE

15 places only. Five days of pottery, tradition of Korean wheel throwing and Italian countryside living.

An opportunity to learn from Yoon, develop your ceramic practice and become part of a creative community in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

If you have been looking for a workshop that combines serious ceramic learning with a memorable experience in Italy, we would love to welcome you.

Questions and bookings:
info@daterracotta.com

Cancellation policy: More than 90 days before the workshop: full refund or transfer to a later workshop, subject to availability in the same year or following years. Between 31 and 90 days: 50% refund . Within 30 days: non-refundable. If the organizers cancel, a full refund will be provided. Accommodation is subject to the hotel’s cancellation terms.