{"id":146992,"date":"2020-02-06T08:25:48","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T00:25:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hongkong\/?p=146992"},"modified":"2024-11-20T19:42:29","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T11:42:29","slug":"deer-workshop-carol-luk-pottery-making","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/deer-workshop-carol-luk-pottery-making\/","title":{"rendered":"Ceramist Carol Luk from Deer Workshop talks sensibility and freedom in pottery making"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for different arts and culture offering in town? We enjoy browsing at different Hong Kong bookstores<\/a>\u00a0and art galleries<\/a>, as well as checking out a fascinating array of creative courses<\/a> such as the\u00a0pottery workshop. Deer Workshop is a pottery studio in Sham Shui Po that offers pottery classes for all age, as well as hand-painted and customised pottery ceramics online. We spoke with Carol Luk, founder of the studio, about finding ways to unwind and calm your nerves through throwing magic on the wheel and the challenges of being a pottery teacher.<\/p>\n

Interview with Carol Luk from Deer Workshop<\/h2>\n

Hi Carol. Thanks for inviting me to your studio. When were you first exposed to pottery making?<\/h3>\n

When I was studying my higher diploma in fine art, I enrolled in several art courses at Hong Kong Art Centre. During that period, it was a bit crazy, I would spend the entire day on the pottery wheel, sometimes from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Through a lot of hard work, I got into The Chinese University of Hong Kong to continue my fine art study. There\u2019s a small pottery studio at the school, and I would spend a lot of time over there. In university, there weren\u2019t many pottery ceramics courses, but I learnt a lot about sketching, sculpture and photography. Sculpture heightens your sense and sensitivity to three dimensional spaces, while sketching exercises teach you how to move swiftly with your hands and with force. These are valuable skills that make you a better potter.<\/p>\n

\"Carol
Carol Luk, founder of Deer Workshop, is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of fine art and pottery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How was life before opening up a pottery workshop?<\/h3>\n

When I graduated from CUHK, I started working for a non governmental organisation that teaches people with intellectual disability different social and living skills. I was in the art department, so what I did was to teach them how to make simple small ceramics plates or bowls, which they can then sell to different corporates or showcase at different charity art fairs. After two years of being in the workforce, I\u2019d saved up some money and finally decided to open my own pottery workshop.<\/p>\n

What do you like most about pottery?<\/h3>\n

I always have a hard time concentrating. There are thoughts and ideas constantly swimming around in my mind. But ever since I got into pottery making, I can finally focus on one thing and finish it. The process of throwing a pot on the pottery wheel requires full concentration, and I enjoy the feeling of dedicating myself to something that creates an immediate sense of serenity within me. <\/p>\n

\"Carol
Carol puts the signature stamp of Deer Workshop on her work<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What do you want people to feel when they walk into Deer Workshop?<\/h3>\n

People nowadays are often preoccupied with work and other responsibilities which causes a lot of stress. Pottery making in a way is the communication between your hands and your brain, so it\u2019s a great way to halt your violent train of thought. I tried to make this place as cosy and calming as possible, with the walls painted in dark blue and grey \u2013 the grey paint is called London Mist, very romantic and soothing \u2013 so when you\u2019re here for a two-hour workshop, you can pack your troubles and leave them all behind. I hope people who come in can see Deer Workshop as a safe haven to relax and loosen up.<\/p>\n

Why is it called Deer Workshop?<\/h3>\n

My last name is Luk, which is the homonym of Deer in Cantonese, a lot of my friends call me Siu Luk \u2013 meaning Little Deer. Deers are the kind of animals that oftentime separate from their herd and operate alone, but they can also adjust and adapt for their community. Deer Workshop is located in the heart of Sham Shui Po, there are also a small gallery and a cafe downstairs. I hope Deer Workshop can stands on its own as a great creative space, at the same time making contribution to the art community here.<\/p>\n

\"Carol
Deer Workshop collaborates with Sell Words to create unique cups with beautifully written poetic verses for each and every customer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How would you describe your aesthetic?<\/h3>\n

I\u2019m still trying to figure that out. For now, I think it would be colours. I hope to see a diversity of colours and contrasts in my work. In pottery, each paint requires specific ways of mixing and complicated procedures. It\u2019s not easy to create a recipe for each and every colour, so I\u2019m still experimenting.<\/p>\n

Are you working on any side projects that you would like to tell us about?<\/h3>\n

When I was in university, my close friend Clara and I started a project called Sellwords in 2012. She\u2019s the brain and I work the logistics. It ended up growing well. So when I started Deer Workshop, my first job was to collaborate with Sellwords. I make the cup and she leaves her lovely handwriting on top of it, and you can customise your own with different verses. For us, a warm cup of tea brings emotional security and comfort. Even though we don\u2019t live in huge homes, I hope the cup will make you feel relaxed after a hectic day at work.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Carol Kayuk Luk (@carollukpottery)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n