Cho Jung-woo
Sculptor Cho Jung-woo has devoted his life to the art of stone carving in Korea, earning him the nickname “the stone artisan.” Working quietly yet persistently, he engages closely with the material of stone—carving, refining, and shaping it toward his artistic vision.One of his signature bodies of work is the “Dolda (the stone-bridge / the path made of stone)” series, in which he carves and sculpts stones into forms that evoke bridges, pathways, and transitions—reflecting nature, time, and human presence. Cho describes his approach by saying: “The process of digging and carving into stone is not about subtraction, but about filling.” He further encapsulates his artistic ethos in the statement: “I pay tribute to all the stones in this universe.”In his recent solo exhibition titled “My Mom Who Looks Like Me,” the artist presented his stone-teaware pieces (“doldawan”) together with planar works, continuing his exploration of material, memory, and meaning. Beyond his formal art practice, Cho contributes to his local community by donating his works and seeks to reinforce the societal value of stone-carving art. To Cho, conversing with stone is more than a technical act—it is a journey of letting go, refining, and enduring. Through the act of removing and emptying, he finds a sense of lightness within the inherent weight of stone, shaping a path of contemplative sculptural practice.