Jina Lee
Image source Jina Lee
Jina Lee is a South Korean-born sculptor who has worked primarily with stone for 20 years. With contemporary, organic shapes and a deep connection to the natural world, her sculptures evoke a sense of calm timelessness and tactility.
Her artistic journey began in 1999 when she was accepted into the Kaywon School of Arts in South Korea. She undertook two years of intensive training in academic drawing and other foundational disciplines to prepare for art school. After entering art school, she discovered her passion for sculpture and focused on techniques such as clay modelling and plaster mould making skills which she still employs as part of her process prior to translating the forms into stone today.
Jina earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, where she focused on stone carving while studying Korean culture and traditional arts. The University is renowned for its exclusive focus on cultural heritage and its strong emphasis on hands-on training and traditional craftsmanship. She then went on to complete a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture at Kookmin University, further refining her artistic voice.
Now based in Fremantle, Western Australia, Jina is hands-on throughout the entire creative process, from conceptual design and material sourcing to sculpting each piece in her studio.
She forms a personal relationship with every stone she works with, believing that stone is not just a medium, but a living element that carries the Earth's history within it. Each piece is hand-carved and thoughtfully named, becoming a unique extension of her dialogue with nature. Jina has exhibited her work widely, both nationally and internationally, including Sculpture by the Sea, where she is a Decade Club member.
She has created and installed public artworks in Australia, Italy, Albania, France, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan. Her work explores the theme of connection, the interconnectedness of all things. Her sculptures communicate complex narratives and emotions through meticulous craftsmanship and heartfelt expression. Each sculpture offers a tactile, immersive experience, encouraging people to engage not only visually, but also emotionally and physically.
Through her art, Jina seeks to remind people of their bond with the natural world and with one another, encouraging a moment of pause, reflection, and reconnection in an often fast-paced world.
