Chunghie Lee and Jiyoung Chung

Paper Pojagi

Course Description
“Pojagi” are traditional Korean wrapping cloths that are used in daily life, rituals, and special occasions like weddings. Chunghie will introduce the basic Pojagi sewing techniques, Maleobakki & Gekki, using traditional Korean fabrics. Gekki is a triple stitching technique which results in stiff, strong, linear elements. After participants have learned the basic ways of making Pojagi, Jiyoung will introduce ‘Choomchi’ papermaking to be incorporated into making paper Pojagi. Choomchi is a traditional Korean textural, wrinkled, and durable papermaking technique which can be applied to diverse ways of making Pojagi. Traditionally ‘food table pojagi’ are made mainly with paper.

This interdisciplinary workshop will provide participants much freedom in expressing their own interpretation of Pojagi either with fabric or paper or a combination of both. Having once learned to make the traditional Pojagis, participants will go beyond the traditional and explore new possibilities. A spirit of experimentation will be emphasized, and students will produce several Pojagis during the workshop.

Skill Level
No experience is necessary - all who enjoy working with their hands are welcome.

Artist's Biography
Chunghie Lee received her B.F.A. and M.F.A. from Hongik University in Seoul and was a Fulbright Exchange Scholar to RISD where she now teaches Pojagi classes. She has had one-person shows in the UK, USA, Australia, Finland, Taiwan, and Korea. Her works are in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and The Museum of Art & Design, as well as other international museums.

Jiyoung Chung received her B.F.A. from RISD (painting) and her M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art (Print/Media). She has had one-person shows in the U.S.A., Finland, and Korea, and has had numerous group exhibitions, including the 3rd From Lausanne to Beijing International Fiberart Biennale. She was an artist-in-residence at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts in the winter of 2004.