Kim Min-wook South Korea, b. 1978

Kim Min-wook. Born, live and work in Busan, South Korea, he is a self-taught woodturner, practicing since 2013. Kim is drawn to wood that shows the character of time's passage. Embracing these imperfections, he acknowledges nature's imprint and builds upon its narrative.

“I mull over the discoveries and observations. I clear my mind and focus on wood, hoping that I can reveal my thoughts and the path I should take through the medium. Once determined, there is only chance and no going back.” 

Kim enjoys the considered process of lathe turning as it allows him to take pleasure in the process of making. Having turned the rough form, he prefers natural drying processes, allowing the wood to evolve. Where the timber cracks or warps, he may intervene to restore its alignment or strength. This method encapsulates his approach: his emphasis lies in showcasing the innate qualities of the material.

In 2019, Kim received the Lexus Creative Masters Award in Seoul and in 2022, he was a finalist in the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize.