Inspired by Ritual
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Dusted in clay and Layers of Artistry
In an unassuming but spacious ceramics studio on the west side of Chicago, David Kim’s workspace is covered in his most recent muse: clay. Dusted in deep terracottas and cozy neutrals, his creative space feels representative of his work. Its greatest intent is to be functional, and therein lies its beauty.
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David T. Kim – DTK – is the founder of DTK Ceramics, a pottery production studio focused on designing and creating objects that enhance the rituals of daily life. His works are not pieces designed to be placed on a pedestal or to sit in a gallery; instead, they’re designed for everyday use and appreciation.
Much of his work is focused on hand-made, production pottery, creating dishware sets and pieces for restaurants or chefs. For David the work feels close to home and close to his upbringing – to the food and meals his parents prepared; to his father’s work as a professional chef; to being raised through the lens of his Korean heritage.
David has long been fascinated by his Asian-American-ness. His curiosity seeps out into his work styles that pay homage to his heritage through functional, simple, and beautiful pieces.
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“The aesthetic of eastern Korean pottery is very humble. It’s not flashy, it’s just functional – and that’s the beauty in it. Functionality and beauty don’t have to be mutually exclusive.” (David Kim)
The way David describes his work with chefs is like a creative exercise between collaborators. There’s always a vision from the client on the functionality of the end product; from David, the knowledge of form, technique, and how to achieve it.
“My job is to make the canvas, and their job is to present their work. It’s about enhancing something; we create layers of art together.” (David Kim)
︎︎︎
Creative problem solving happens along the way, the goal always being to remain open minded and receptive to new perspectives and growth. In recent months, David’s desire to grow in his craft has led him to the origins of his craft: clay.
“Clay has been around for thousands of years, and people are still innovating how they use it, what they are making with it. It’s such a cool material, being directly from the earth.” (David Kim)
As his projects evolve and his creativity expands, David continues to bring a handmade, human touch to his work and the world around him.
︎︎︎
David T. Kim – DTK – is the founder of DTK Ceramics, a pottery production studio focused on designing and creating objects that enhance the rituals of daily life. His works are not pieces designed to be placed on a pedestal or to sit in a gallery; instead, they’re designed for everyday use and appreciation.
Much of his work is focused on hand-made, production pottery, creating dishware sets and pieces for restaurants or chefs. For David the work feels close to home and close to his upbringing – to the food and meals his parents prepared; to his father’s work as a professional chef; to being raised through the lens of his Korean heritage.
David has long been fascinated by his Asian-American-ness. His curiosity seeps out into his work styles that pay homage to his heritage through functional, simple, and beautiful pieces.
︎︎︎
“The aesthetic of eastern Korean pottery is very humble. It’s not flashy, it’s just functional – and that’s the beauty in it. Functionality and beauty don’t have to be mutually exclusive.” (David Kim)
The way David describes his work with chefs is like a creative exercise between collaborators. There’s always a vision from the client on the functionality of the end product; from David, the knowledge of form, technique, and how to achieve it.
“My job is to make the canvas, and their job is to present their work. It’s about enhancing something; we create layers of art together.” (David Kim)
︎︎︎
Creative problem solving happens along the way, the goal always being to remain open minded and receptive to new perspectives and growth. In recent months, David’s desire to grow in his craft has led him to the origins of his craft: clay.
“Clay has been around for thousands of years, and people are still innovating how they use it, what they are making with it. It’s such a cool material, being directly from the earth.” (David Kim)
As his projects evolve and his creativity expands, David continues to bring a handmade, human touch to his work and the world around him.
