Josh DeWeese

Sam Chung is known for creating functional and vessel-based ceramics. Works often begin on either the potter's wheel or using slabs which are then cut, manipulated, reassembled and decorated. He often throws more than one form to use in completing a singular object. Hand building techniques are employed in addition to thrown elements.

Chung's artistic motivation stems from the context of opposing limitations. The deep history and forms of the Koryo Dynasty ceramics in Korea and the Song Dynasty works in China as well as travel inform his vessel work.

Many of Chung's pieces evolve from historical forms. Once the initial form is created, thrown or hand built pieces are added to reinvent the historical pot. Working primarily with porcelain, works often feature a white ground with black or red underglaze graphic line work which compliments the linear form of the object. These addition of black or red lines allow the work to take on the gestalt of clouds. Signature forms include horizontal vases, vessel groupings, and teapots.