From open day to entrepreneur: Lee’s story

If you joined us on our open day in June, perhaps you imagined what your making journey would look like if you joined us as a member.

In our latest video, Lee Simmonds tells us what that experience was like for him as he moved from an enthusiasm to learn to selling his work in just ten months.

Ceramics born out of a desire to make

Lee started out in ceramics and pottery after leaving behind his career as multi-company founder and director. Making was entirely new to him. Yet he had a real “desire to give it a try”, and came along to our open day in June 2023. 

At the open day, Lee quickly felt he’d found his place to make at Sunken Studio, surrounded by those who could teach, inspire and connect. Lee decided to sign up as a member.

Making journeys led by individuals

Though Lee feels his work is still in its early stages, he’s enjoying the pace at which he’s learning new skills during his time in the studio.

Yet it’s a pace we encourage all our members to set for themselves. For some, like Lee, a journey from making infancy to selling ceramics is linear. For others, it’s a journey of self-discovery as a maker, or simply enjoying working with clay. 

Lee’s interest in graphics is showing itself in his ceramics and pottery through his use of strong colours and crisp lines. Neat finishes and sharp edges are key features of his work, which he’s now proudly sharing on his Instagram account, LS Ceramics. 

Hear Lee share his story in his own words in our video “Ten Months of Pottery”, shot here at Sunken Studio.