Inspired by traditional Korean ceramics- particularly the Moon Jars of the late Joseon Dynasty, with their imperfect roundness and visible joining marks- Jaiik Lee's Transition series represents a pivotal evolution in his artistic journey, transforming rigid copper into flowing organic forms. Rather than throwing clay, Lee constructs his vessels by meticulously spot-welding thin sheets of copper plate, which he then coats with porcelain and fires to create richly colored surfaces complemented by gold leaf accents.

The works embody the concept of transition itself- the Latin tránsĭtus, meaning "passing over" or "crossing"-exploring both the process and result of change. Each piece captures a moment of metamorphosis, suspended between two states of being. Their undulating organic forms create a sense of buckling and swelling, as though the vessels are expanding from within.

"What fascinates me about transition is not just the end result, but the journey between states," says Lee. "My work documents that transformative process, preserving the evidence of change within the final form."

By revealing elements of his process, Lee highlights the temporality of his craft. In some of his vessels, the hundreds of small welding beads used to construct the work are left dotting the surface like tiny gems, while in others, several layers of fired porcelain are sanded down to reveal themselves. The obsessive and repetitive nature of his craftsmanship is laid bare, and the transformation is revealed- highlighting not only his unique innovation in material, but also a powerful transposition of traditional Korean craft and cultural heritage. This creates visual tension between tradition and contemporaneity, solidity and fluidity.