Key Concepts
- Pottery as therapy and community engagement
- Studio SF: A pottery studio in Bedok focused on accessibility and creativity
- Experiential pottery sessions for beginners
- Engaging seniors through pottery workshops
- The importance of a clean and focused mind in pottery and life
Studio SF: Origins and Purpose
Kevin, the owner of Studio SF (Studio Shun Fu, named after him and his wife), established the pottery studio in a 19 sq m kiosk beneath a void deck in Bedok in November 2024. The studio serves as both a crafting space and a retail outlet for their pottery. A key aim is to provide accessible pottery classes for the local community, allowing them to experience the craft and create handmade items.
Personal Connection to Pottery
Kevin's journey into pottery began during COVID-19 after his wife gifted him a pottery package. He found the medium therapeutic and continued learning, eventually taking over 80 lessons. His initial motivation was also deeply personal: after his mother's passing, he found it difficult to continue making pottery in his HDB flat, as her absence was keenly felt in the space where she used to observe him. A vase he made that his mother saw him glaze is a cherished possession, displayed in the studio in her memory.
The Therapeutic Nature of Clay
Kevin emphasizes the therapeutic and comforting nature of working with clay. He describes the feeling of the clay against the hands and the "mutual respect" required when working with the material. He states, "You treat it with respect, then the clay will kind of ‘Today, I’ll let you do this to me.’" He also notes that every day, potters are "humbled by the clay."
Experiential Pottery Sessions
The pottery sessions at Studio SF are designed to be experiential, focusing on introducing participants to the medium rather than in-depth technical training. The primary goal is for people to "have a feel of the medium" and experience the joy of working with clay. A common first lesson involves creating a small trinket dish, mirroring Kevin's own first pottery experience.
Community Engagement and Senior Outreach
A significant aspect of Studio SF's mission is community engagement, particularly with seniors. Kevin offers free pottery sessions to seniors above 75. He recounts an experience with a 94-year-old participant who initially hesitated but ultimately created three pieces and was delighted with his creations.
Studio SF actively partners with active ageing centers, including NTUC Health, to conduct pottery workshops for seniors. These workshops are often provided at minimal cost, driven by Kevin and his wife's passion for engaging with the elderly. They bring clay, underglaze colors, and brushes to the centers, allowing participants to create and paint their own pieces. Kevin emphasizes the importance of encouragement and motivation, helping seniors overcome their initial fears and self-doubt. He finds it rewarding to see their happiness and sense of accomplishment after creating something with their own hands.
Studio Atmosphere and Philosophy
Kevin aims to create a dreamlike atmosphere at Studio SF, both visually from the outside and experientially for those who enter. He emphasizes the importance of a "clean mind" when working with clay, free from distractions and worries. This focus translates to a broader life philosophy: "Whatever you want to do, you just focus for that moment, 100%, do it nice, do it properly. Once it’s done, you can do other things." He often listens to jazz standards, such as Nat King Cole, to enhance the studio's ambiance.
Key Quote
"The effect I want the studio to have on people is when they walk past or they drive past, it looks like a dream. And when they come in to experience clay, to really try to awaken their creativity."
Synthesis/Conclusion
Studio SF is more than just a pottery studio; it's a community hub driven by a passion for creativity, therapy, and social engagement. Kevin's personal journey with pottery, combined with his commitment to accessibility and senior outreach, has created a unique space where people can experience the joy of working with clay and awaken their creative potential. The studio's focus on experiential learning, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes pottery accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering a sense of community and personal fulfillment.
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