A meditative dance between material, memory, and form.

Jina Lee’s studio in Fremantle, Western Australia, is a space where time slows. The rhythmic tap of a chisel against stone, the soft hum of dust settling—these are the sounds of her process. Born in South Korea, Jina’s path as a sculptor began with traditional Korean stone carving techniques, a foundation that now informs her distinctly modern yet deeply organic forms.

Her practice is rooted in patience. Every curve, every polished surface carries the weight of hours, days, sometimes months of work. She moves between raw blocks of limestone and marble, drawing out the essence hidden within. Her sculptures feel alive—minimal yet full of emotion, shaped by her hands and her intuition.

Jina’s work has taken her across continents, from large-scale installations in Australia and Japan to international sculpture symposia in Italy and Albania. She is a familiar presence at Sculpture by the Sea, her pieces standing quietly against the vastness of the ocean. Beyond her own practice, she is dedicated to fostering a community of makers. As the founder of STONE TO ART, Western Australia’s first stone sculpture symposium, she invites the public into the process—allowing them to witness the transformation of stone in real time.

There’s a purity to Jina’s approach. She strips things back, revealing only what is necessary. In a world that moves fast, her work reminds us to pause, to touch, to feel.

WTC: What’s something that might surprise me about your space?

Jina: It looks messy and dirty—but surprisingly, everything is in order and manageable. Plus, there’s a stunning view of Bathers Beach through the huge glass front. It makes me feel lucky every single day.

WTC: Describe your ideal workspace in three words.

Jina: Bright, ventilated, lofty.

WTC: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Jina: Look after yourself first. It’s okay to be a little more selfish sometimes.

WTC: What’s the most practical productivity tip you can share with a fellow creative?

Jina: Create your own routine, shift your time mindfully, and stick to it—it’s so easy to lose track when you’re self-employed. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water while working!

WTC: What do you do to centre yourself and regain focus?

Jina: Yoga. It helps gather all the scattered bits of myself into one place. Just making the time and disciplining myself to sit on the mat already feels like regaining focus.

WTC: Does your workspace have an interesting story behind it?

Jina: My studio, the J Shed in Fremantle, was originally built as a warehouse for Fremantle Harbour in the early 20th century. It was moved to its current location by Bathers Beach in the 1960s.

WTC: What are you most proud of in your space?

Jina: I love tools and machinery—but especially my forklift. When I was studying art at university, owning a forklift was my dream. Not just for the sake of having one, but because it symbolized independence, having my own space, and becoming a full-time artist.

WTC: What can you see out your windows?

Jina: Blue, white, and green—the beautiful Bathers Beach, the sky, and the lawn. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I can even spot dolphins.

WTC: What’s your most essential artist’s tool?

Jina: Carving stone requires many tools, but the basics are everything—hammers and chisels. You can carve without electric tools, but you can’t do anything without a hammer and chisel.

WTC: What’s one practice that has changed your life the most?

Jina: Yoga. I see it as part of my work routine. Since my work is very physical, yoga helps activate my body before I start. I also believe keeping my body soft and flexible helps prevent injury.

WTC: What’s one life lesson you wish you’d learned earlier?

Jina: You can’t control everything, even if you try really hard. Sometimes, you just have to let things be—they’ll find balance again when the time is right.