Relocating to Leeds: our members’ experiences of joining the studio

Changing your environment and moving somewhere where you don’t know anyone can be challenging. Yet for many of our members who are new to the area, our studio has given them a place to belong. 

Sarah Holmes and Melanie Persson are two members who have relocated to Leeds, both from abroad. Melanie was new to clay and Sarah already a maker. But they’ve both found somewhere they can connect with likeminded people and build friendships based on shared interests. 

They tell us a little about their experiences and how they discovered their community at Sunken Studio.

Finding a space to further a love of clay

Discovering a place for pottery was a priority for Sarah when she moved to Leeds in November. Originally from Salisbury, UK, Sarah spent seven years living in New Zealand and 14 in Australia before returning to the UK with her husband. 

Sarah had been attending a studio in Brisbane for about three years prior to her relocation.

“I am totally hooked on clay. One of the first things I did when we moved here was to find a studio where I could continue my hobby. I found Sunken Studio on Google. I was just blown away by the beautiful light open space. Everyone seemed to be having fun as well as creating beautiful pottery.”

Uncovering new creative interests at the studio

For others new to clay, the studio has become a place to discover something different. Melanie relocated to Leeds from Perth, Western Australia, when her partner started her PhD at University of Leeds. As they hope their relocation is permanent, Melanie was particularly keen to find a creative activity outside the home.

“I study and work from home, which makes it hard to meet people and make friends in a new city and country. I've always wanted to try pottery, but it had never been possible for me in Australia. So I was very excited to find Sunken Studio.”

Increasing self-confidence through belonging and connection

Relocating, especially to a new country, is undoubtedly difficult. Yet the relocators who have found the studio often share how membership has improved their wellbeing, brought them greater happiness and reduced their stress levels. 

Melanie has found the studio a place for peace. “It’s therapeutic to spend time at Sunken Studio. It's a lovely place to become part of a community that has nothing to do with my life outside pottery. It's definitely improved my mental health to be able to get out of the house and pursue something different.”

Making adult friendships in a likeminded community

For Sarah, joining a studio was a hugely important way to start to build a small social network. “I knew no-one in Leeds. At my age, without young children, it can be hard to meet people. Though it’s only six weeks since I became a member, I can already see Sunken Studio is a friendly place. I look forward to going  and getting to know everyone – and of course we have our love of clay in common.”

The Sunken Studio community has helped our relocators find their feet in a new city. Melanie says, “Pottery has really become a hobby I love. I've also made new friends. All in all, Sunken Studio has been a big part of making Leeds feel more like home.” 

If you’re looking for a place to meet likeminded people and find, or further, your love of clay, you are always welcome to come meet our makers at the studio.