Adam Field

Adam spent 2008 in Korea studying with a 6th generation Onggi Master, Kimll-Mahn. His work day consisted of arriving at the pottery at 7 a.m. and doing whatever task was requested of him. This mainly included preparing the clay. He was also trained in the making of huge storage jars, but his work was only acceptable toward the end of his apprenticeship.

Adam says he went to Korea as a competent potter, but soon realized he was a novice by comparison. The Onggi jars are built by additions of coils on a potter’s wheel from a slab bottom on up and then slapping with a mallet inside and out to achieve the height of the pot. One of Adam’s jobs was to move the coal heaters nearby used to firm the clay as the potter worked as these huge jars are finished all in one sitting. Adam worked 6 days a week, 10 hrs. a day for 10 months. Some days he was so exhausted he could barely get up and go to work. His apprenticeship ended and he to returned to the US with a repertoire of new skills and infinite confidence.

Adam is now a competent Onggi potter, yet his beautifully carved porcelain jars at TRAX show little of his training experience. He currently lives in Durango , CO with his wife, Heesoo,(also a potter) and six year old son, Juno. Heesoo and Adam are expecting their second child this fall who will be born in Korea. Adam studied art at Fort Lewis College in Durango as well as working 4 years as a potter at the Four Season’s Resort in Maui prior to his Korean adventure. His work has achieved much respect in the Hawaiian islands as well as making its mark here in the US with potter’s who know him. Trax is privileged to introduce you to Adam’s work.