Crafting connections: the next chapter at Sunken Studio

As we embark on a new chapter at Sunken Studio, we're excited to unveil The Crafted Chronicles: A Maker’s Journey, a series of events and workshops designed to celebrate ceramics and beyond. This initiative aims to bring together seasoned specialists, learners, and the simply curious on a shared journey of innovation and connection.

The vision behind The Crafted Chronicles

Our mission is clear: to make the world of ceramics accessible and engaging in Leeds. The Crafted Chronicles shines a light on individuals on extraordinary journeys in clay, exploring everything from the serenity of natural landscapes to the far-reaching political and economic impacts of ceramics on a global scale. This is a celebration of making, and you are invited.

Connecting through clay: our core mission

We're in the business of connecting people and by fostering a supportive network among makers, we aim to create a vibrant community where ideas flow freely. The Crafted Chronicles celebrate individual achievement and collective undertakings by sharing experiences and insights. It's here we offer a window into a range of processes by diverse artists, ensuring that together, our development is one of mutual growth and discovery.

Highlights of the programme

From May to October 2024, our series kicks off with nine days brimming with talks, Q&A sessions, tutorials, and workshops. Open to participants in-studio, and sometimes online, we invite a global community to engage and share. The programme features artists from a range of disciplines - pottery, sculpture, printmaking, and animation - including practitioners like Jihyun Kim, and Eloisa Gobbo, who bring a splash of delight to clay. Their different backgrounds not only enrich our programme but also illustrate the broad appeal and adaptability of ceramics as a medium for communication. Plus, hear firsthand from artists who've pivoted to ceramics from other professional realms, making their appetite for clay a central part of their lives.

Folklore, Nature, and much more

Kick off on 10 May with Emma Carlow! She's going to show you how to make clay whistles, spicing things up with tales from folklore and wild creatures from bestiaries. Then, on 14 June, Jaz Simpson will bring you closer to nature, teaching you how to craft animal busts that are full of expression, exploring our connection with the wild.

As the year rolls on, gear up for a jam-packed day of in-studio and online talks on 9 August with Eva Masterman, Rodrigo Lebrum, Ermina Takenova, and Andres de Anza. As we head into Autumn, Eren Armitage shares how she connects the serenity of the Yorkshire Dales with her Japanese roots.

Kate Semple is up in September and Jihyun Kim and Eloisa Gobbo will wrap things up for 2024.

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Your invitation to join the adventure

We're on a quest to knit together the ceramics community in Leeds and beyond into a map of innovation and camaraderie. Whether you're well-versed in the world of ceramics or just starting to explore, The Crafted Chronicles invites you to contribute your voice and your enthusiasm to a collective journey that grows more vibrant with each new addition.

Spread the word: a call to your camaraderie

Don't keep this to yourself - spread the word and share this post with fellow makers and ceramic enthusiasts. Together, we can amplify our impact and celebrate ceramics in all its forms.

How to get involved: next steps

Look into our courses to discover the opportunities waiting for you, and get excited for what's to unfold!

Maker profiles and course info

The Crafted Chronicles: a maker’s journey