Singapore’s Clay Craze: A Fresh Take on Ceramics
Want to know why everyone’s talking about ceramics in Singapore? Well, turn back to January’s Singapore Art Week – it was a container party for pottery, showcasing 19 local masters in a splashy show christened Singapore Ceramics Now 2021. It wasn’t just a show; it was a revival, a full‑blown movement reminding us that clay’s still the rockstar of the arts.
And it’s not only the gallery walls that’re feeling the vibes. The city’s been filling with new studios—think of them as tiny, hands‑deep labs where beginners can paint with dough and pros can sculpt like pros. Classes, open studios, you name it. In the next part, we’ll drop the spotlight on seven standout spaces where you can dig into the material and turn a lump of clay into a masterpiece.
1. The Clay Corner
Picture a cozy nook that feels like a pottery lounge: soft music, warm lights, and a wall lined with kilns humming. They offer beginner workshops that walk you through the entire journey—rubbing, rolling, firing—so you’ll never feel like a “noob” again.
2. Misty Mud Studio
Moments of magical silence meet real‑world skill. Their advanced classes dive into glaze chemistry and kiln tuning. Whether you’re a DIY hero or an art junkie, you’ll get a chance to see inside a kiln and learn tricks that scientists would envy.
3. Loam & Lore
Where stories meet soil. Every session is paired with a narrative about clay’s place in the cosmos—from ancient Egyptian coppers to modern urban sculpture. A creative mix that infuses your work with a touch of mystique.
4. Handglued Haven
For those who love to join a party—literally. The studio welcomes drop‑ins for “open studio” days where you can roam freely. On top of the workshops, you’ll find group projects that reshape your perspective on teamwork.
5. Pottery Port
Feel the pulse of the city? This studio’s situated in the heart of downtown, making pottery accessible on the go. They run “On the Spot” mini 30‑minute classes that let you make a tiny bowl in the time it takes to grab a coffee.
6. The Whispering Wheel
This place is all about the rhythm of the wheel. The instructor’s mantra: “Spin, breathe, repeat.” Those attending can stroll through a library of classic techniques, plus a unique “silent wheel” hour that reminds you how calming pottery can be.
7. The Clay Cartel
Not your ordinary art studio—The Clay Cartel blends street art with pottery. Picture murals being turned into ceramic counterparts. They host collaborative workshops that merge individual expression with collective solitude.
So, if you’re itching to roll a lump of clay into something tangible—and maybe feel that heart‑warming buzz of creation—these seven studios might just be the places you need. Take a detour from your daily routine, grab a potter’s wheel or two, and let the clay reveal the artist inside you.
1. Mudrock Ceramics
Meet the Whiz-Crafts of Mud Rock Ceramics
Picture two seasoned ceramic wizards—Ng Seok Har and Michelle Lim—who’ve been hammering clay for more than fourteen years. They’ve not only mastered the art of shaping earth but have spun a tale that earned them the “royal touch.” In a pretty epic saga, the pair were hand‑picked to make a 90‑year‑old gift for Queen Elizabeth II: a stunning tea set that came straight from the coffers of that legendary era’s Prime Minister, Tony Tan.
Glazing With A Twist
At Mud Rock, every glaze is a lab‑experiment of its own. Instead of buying off‑the‑shelf shells, the duo concocts their own recipes. That fresh, artisanal vibe has pushed the boundaries of pottery, even landing them a gig for French hotspot Lerouy where plates look like fine‑art collectibles.
Class Time—Kicking the Clay To the Max
- Beginner Bundle – A 2½‑hour crash course that walks you through the essentials: coiling, slab building, throwing, trimming, and glazing. Priced at $315 per person, this string of five sessions is a solid stepping stone into the clay world.
- Advanced Pathways – For those who’ve flexed their ceramic muscles already. These classes dive deeper, offering a month‑long syllabus that lets you master the craft step by step.
Where The Magic Happens
Hooked up at 85 Maude Road, Singapore 208357, Mud Rock Ceramics is ready to fill your mug with more than just tea. Check out their site (you won’t regret it) to get the lowdown on booking, rates, and the latest workshops.
2. The Potters’ Guilt
Meet The Potters’ Guilt
Imagine a squad of ceramic maestros who treat clay like a delicious snack—only it’s shaped, fired, and tempered with the same passion that drives your favorite sushi chef. That squad is The Potters’ Guilt, a tight‑knit crew of four artists: Thomas Cheong, Daisy Toh, Todd Tok, and Huey Min.
Why They’re Not Your Average Crack‑it‑a‑brick Crew
- Thomas Cheong received a spotlight invite to the Cheongju Craft Biennale—yes, that’s basically the craft world’s equivalent of a Broadway debut.
- Huey Min earned a UNESCO City of Craft Memorial Award, showing that even the mighty legends of the globe trust his hands.
- All four have checked countless artist residencies across the world, picking up more techniques than a Swiss Army knife.
With such credentials, it’s no surprise that their workshops are usually booked faster than a limited‑edition sneaker drop.
What They Offer
Think you’re short on time? Fear not—The Potters’ Guilt has options for both the marathon and the sprint.
Pottery Do‑It‑All – The All‑In‑One Beginner’s Bash
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $80 per person
Get the full fun of shaping, spinning, and listening to sweet, soulful kiln crackles—all in one go. Perfect for when you want a hands‑on adventure without committing to a college course.
Pottery on the Wheel Experience – The 90‑Minute Whirlwind
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $55 per person
Quick, witty, and still yields tableware you can brag about. Ideal for those who like a good thing done fast, but still want it special.
Heads up: seats for both classes are snapped up through April or May. Register early or hop onto their waitlist to snag a slot before everyone else can.
Where They’re Working Their Magic
Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-03, Singapore 168976
Wanna learn more? Drop by their website to chill, learn, and maybe snag a free spatula (just kidding, they don’t give out free tools).
3. Urth & Phire
Sprinkle Some Clay, Flip Some Fun – Discover Urth & Phire
Let’s get down to the real scoop on a pottery studio that’s as original as it is white‑washed. Urth & Phire isn’t just about throwing clay; it’s about turning that humble lump into art with a rebellious twist.
About the Studio
Founded by the whimsically inventive ceramic artist Alvin Leow, the studio blends experimentation with a love for good old‑fashioned pottery. Al’s pieces have dazzled in galleries and ended up on the shelves of discerning private collectors, proving his knack for marrying the classic with the uncanny.
Beyond the classes, Urth & Phire proudly churns out custom functional wares, striking sculptures, and ceramic tile murals that could (and probably will) outshine any Instagram aesthetic.
What You’ll Feel When You Paint With Clay
Unsure if you have a knack for spinning a clay wheel? Don’t worry – we’ve got a slick way to test the waters.
- 90‑minute Trial Lesson – a $60 ticket to experiment with glaze‑fire pottery. Walk away with a little piece of artistic history in your hands.
- Wheel Pottery Beginner Pack – $400 for eight sessions. You’ll learn the basics of shaping, glazing, and firing, all while having a blast.
How They Spice Things Up
It’s not just the hands you’re busying – there’s a whole personality in every pot. The studio’s quirky name and a dash of dry wit set the mood, turning the studio vibe into a canvas for creativity.
Location, Lineup & All That
Mark your calendar: 2 Pereira Road, #05‑02A, 2connectt@TS, Singapore 368024. For a deeper dive or to bring your own ideas to life, pop over to their official website.
So grab that wheel and let’s make some clay that’s not just mold but a statement!
4. Boon’s Pottery
Boom! The Pottery Hotspot That’s Stirring the Scene
Picture a spot where local pottery maestros and worldly treasures collide—welcome to the place where Chinese clay gets a Singaporean swagger and every vessel tells a story.
What Sparked the Studio?
In 1998, the legend Chuan Siang Boon rolled out the dough—well, the clay—and opened this gem. Boon’s pots didn’t just stay local; they’ve journeyed to Europe, earned a spot as a fancy gift for the French politician Bernard Kouchner, and are scrolling through e‑shops worldwide.
Local Artists’ Showcase
This isn’t a solo podium for Boon alone; it’s a runway for Singaporean talents. Many pieces reflect that unmistakably local zest—think of them as ceramic “mini‑films.” Pick any, buy it, and feel the culture pop in your home.
Hands-On Learning (Our “Trial” Fun)
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Fee: $70 per person
- Options: Hand‑building (no wheel, pure bone‑and‑clay) or Wheel‑throwing
- Recommendation: Hand‑building—give your hands a real touch‑and‑feel adventure with no spinning gear involved.
Where It All Happens
Location: 91 Tanglin Road, #B1-01/02, Singapore 247918. For all details—train your curiosity, just visit the website (no links, just a hint!).
5. Terra & Ember
Meet Terra & Ember: The New Hotspot for Pottery Lovers
Picture this: A tiny loft on Geylang Road that doubles as a studio and a creative hub for folks who love to get their hands dirty with clay. It’s nothing fancy, just clean lines and a cozy vibe that’s guaranteed to steal your Instagram feed.
Quick Back‑story
- Alan & Sarah started this joint venture back in 2016 after a casual pottery class that turned into a lifelong passion.
- Only two years old, but they’ve been hustling hard, mastering the art of crafting beautiful ceramics.
- They’re not just about making things – they’re about sharing them. Their studio is an open door for independent artists to host workshops.
What Makes It Special?
- Mobile Pottery – Yes, you heard right! They can bring a small pottery wheel right to your place. Perfect for those who want to learn without heading to a studio.
- Mini Potters Workshop – For the truly adventurous: wheel‑throw tiny clay masterpieces on a minuscule pottery wheel. Worth every Singapore Dollar at $65 per person.
Why This Studio Rocks
From handcrafted pieces inspired by local flora to the vibes of a space where creativity is king, Terra & Ember is a must‑visit for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the art of pottery. Drop by, grab a cup of coffee, and maybe leave with a little bundle of clay in hand!
6. Euphoramics
Get Your Clay On! Inside the Art of Euphoramics
Why it matters: Euphoramics is run by artist Loy Yan Ling, whose collection of dinnerware turns everyday meals into visual feasts.
Meet the Maestro
Loy’s background is steeped in ceramic lore—she’s been molding clay for over two decades. Her paint‑in‑glaze technique brings a pop of color that’s both playful and refined. She’s rubbed shoulders with stalwarts like Candone Wharton and even took the lead steering Singapore’s National Ceramics Forum.
Class Options
- Wheel Throwing Workshop – $80 per person, a 3‑hour sprint where you spin up to three masterpieces on the wheel.
- Fundamental Wheel Throwing Lesson – $280, a deeper dive with three throwing rounds plus a beginner glazing session. You’ll end up with teacups, mugs, or bowls, all proudly yours.
Grab your hands, feed your creativity, and let clay become your new playground. Happy throwing!
7. Padme Hum
Discover the Whimsical World of Padme Hum
Say hello to Tania Misra, the maverick behind Padme Hum. Once an architect and urban designer, she traded blueprints for clay in 2018 and now lets you channel your inner Picasso—just with pottery.
What Makes These Workshops Special?
- Free‑Form Fun: No rigid schedules, no over‑structured syllabus. Think of it as a creative playground where you’re the boss.
- Classes are hyper‑compact — just two and a half hours to dive into hand‑building and wheel‑throwing.
- Hands‑on, shapes + patterns, and the chance to experiment with all the gizmos over there.
How the Money Works
- Ad‑Hoc Pottery Class: $85 per person.
- Membership options & open‑studio sessions for the long‑term creative fanatics.
Why You Should Drop In
- Everybody learns—whether you’re a clay novice or seasoned potter.
- Build a skeleton of your own creative spirit, then mold it with hands, ideas, and a sprinkle of junk‑food‑labeled humor.
- Makes for a memorable Sunday afternoon or casual Friday.
For a splash of original, free‑form creativity, Padme Hum is your new go‑to. Dive into clay, spin the wheel, and remember: a perfect pot is all about the journey, not the final shape. Happy potting!
8. Thow Kang Pottery Jungle
Unlock the Secret of Singapore’s Oldest Dragon Kiln
Ever wondered what it feels like to spin a globe the size of a backyard lawnmower and then bake it into a one‑of‑a‑kind pottery masterpiece? Welcome to Thow Kang Pottery Jungle, the very first dragon kiln in Singapore’s history, a place where tradition meets artistry.
Why You Should Be Squeaking About This Spot
Picture this: a family‑run workshop that’s been firing up clay since 1965. They’ve been the go‑to importers and exporters of ceramics, and they’re passionate about passing the torch—literally—to folks of all ages.
- Shop their Peranakan collections – because who can resist those pastel raffia patterns?
- Grab a pottery cooking ware set that can turn your boiled eggs into a culinary masterpiece.
Classes That’ll Make You Feel Like the Artist You Were Born to Be
Whether you’re a total newbie or you know a bit about clay, Thow Kang Pottery Jungle has you covered:
Session Type | What’s Inside |
---|---|
Single Hand‑Building (No Wheel) | Just you, clay and your creative flair – $28 |
Wheel‑Spinning Basics | Get that wheel rolling & today’s masterpiece – $50 |
Two‑Hour Intro Workshop | All the basics + a finish that’s ready to brag about – $75 |
Long‑Term Wheel Course | For the serious potters in you – $380 or more |
Just think of it: you come in, you spin, you leave with a creation that sticks with you forever.
Where in Malaya’s Heart Dashed is the Sizzling Hive?
Find it at 85 Lorong Tawas, Singapore 639823. It’s truly a gem buried near the bustling lanes of Lorong Tawas—no fancy rooms required.
Ready to Roll? Head Over to Their Site!
Drop by their website for a deeper dive—discover the schedule, read the stories of the people who keep it alive, and maybe enroll in the next class. If you ever hear the phrase “you can’t spin a wheel,” crawl over to Thow Kang Pottery Jungle and show ’em how it’s done!
9. Studio Asobi
Meet Studio Asobi: The Pottery Power Couple
When you spot a pottery studio in Singapore that feels like a playground, you’re probably looking at Studio Asobi—the creative brainchild of husband‑and‑wife duo Ken and Huiwen. The name asobi means “play” in Japanese, and you can see it in every mug, vase, and bowl they whip up.
What Makes Them Special?
- They’ve jammed their ceramic muse into an eye‑catching installation for Singaplural.
- Their decorative vases and dishes have graced the menu at Whitegrass, the local foodie hotspot.
- Every sale helps them run free monthly workshops for migrant workers.
Teachings aren’t just about pottery; they’re a mind‑calming escape for workers who’ve faced injuries on the job. No extra charge—just a chance to relax, unwind, and create something useful.
Course Time!
Intro Session: $90 for a 3‑hour dive into crafting your own cup, bowl, or planter.
Regular Courses: They’re fully booked right now, so check the studio’s site for fresh openings.
Find Them
Studio Asobi’s tucked in at Block 705 Hougang Ave 2, #02-265, Singapore 530705. Head over to their website for the latest scoop.
See you on the clay field!