JAY KIM - brass art

JAY KIM is a self-taught patina artist known for pioneering a distinctive technique that unites flame patina and engraving on brass. Through nearly a decade of independent experimentation, he developed a process regarded as both authentic and unprecedented within contemporary metal art. His works reveal the luminous gold of raw brass beneath layers of patina, which he describes as “the beauty of our true being hidden beneath the drama of life.”
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, JAY earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Yonsei University. 

 

His early career spanned both corporate and government sectors, including positions with LG Group and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), where he later served at its Atlanta office. Relocating to the United States reignited his creative instincts and led him to establish a niche handmade handbag brand acclaimed for its use of natural materials, refined craftsmanship and sculptural, art-like design.

While developing an exquisite basket handbag crafted from woven rattan by native artisans in Borneo, he became frustrated with the lifeless, mass-produced metal components available for his design. This dissatisfaction led him to experiment with creating his own metal accessories—a process through which he discovered the expressive power of patina and engraving, marking a turning point in his artistic journey.