Take on Plates: Making with Purpose, Together
Creative focus
Take on Plates, our newest members’ exhibition, was quietly purposeful and open to all. It marked a milestone in the life of the studio - an invitation to reflect on process, share work, and make with direction.
This post takes a moment to explore the thinking behind the exhibition - how it came about, what it offered, and what we noticed along the way.
The premise was simple: make a plate. But behind that prompt sat a deeper aim – to offer members a reason to push their skills, test ideas, or take a process further. Some refined techniques. Others explored surface decoration – a quieter thread in the studio, but one we’re keen to nurture. And for many, it was simply a chance to make one thoughtful piece and be part of something shared.
A shared problem to solve
Most of our members haven’t come through formal creative training. That’s part of what makes this space special – it’s not about where you’ve come from, but what you choose to take on.
Take on Plates offered a shared brief without a fixed theme or image. Plates are technically demanding – they need to sit flat, survive firings, and function. But they’re also versatile. Whether thrown or hand-built, they gave members a clear starting point with room to experiment.
Working towards something
We provided the structure – a form to focus on, a deadline, and some guidance – then stepped back. Members planned their time, navigated kiln schedules, and helped each other troubleshoot.
Will explored scale, structure, and concept. When one of his plates fused to a kiln shelf, he didn’t abandon it. He repaired it using Kintsugi – the Japanese art of embracing flaws – bringing care and persistence into the process.
Flo painted a dry stone wall onto her plate, reflecting on English identity in the wake of Brexit. Her piece quietly showed how technical and conceptual threads can run side by side.
Camaraderie and connection
The exhibition invited all kinds of participation – bold, quiet, playful, precise. Some members had never taken part in a studio project before. For others, it was a chance to stretch their work in a new direction.
What stood out was the way members supported each other – swapping ideas, sharing knowledge, and encouraging each other through setbacks. It created new connections across experience levels and interests.
Looking ahead
We’re planning to make Take on Plates a regular event – a space where members can respond to a shared brief, explore different forms, and reflect on their making. While the format may shift, the focus on shared experience and personal development will remain.
It’s a different kind of moment in the studio calendar – slower, more reflective, and focused on experimentation and growth. A chance to pause, make, and contribute to something together.
Curious about membership at Sunken Studio? Explore our membership options, browse other features on the blog, or book a studio tour.
