Etsy's Handmade Blog
Open Studio Tour: May Luk
Story by FrucciDesign, MayLuk
Published on September 22, 2009 in This Handmade Life 		Photo by

MayLuk

In this Open Studio Tour series, we'll be snooping around Etsians' creative spaces to find out the story behind the drawing table. We want to know all about our artists, and in the process, perhaps get a bit of inspiration for our own workrooms!

A couple of weeks ago, I participated in the ACC show in San Francisco in the emerging artist section (I applied after seeing this call entry). There I met May Luk and her beautiful work. Of course we started talking about our work as part-time artists, Etsy and our working spaces. As soon as I saw May's fantastic studio in the Etsy Open Studios Flickr group, I wanted to share it with you!

What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is May Luk and I make functional ceramics in Brooklyn.

What are you working on right now?
I am very excited about my new limited edition ceramic range, a collaboration with local illustrator Samantha Hahn; it’s going to be girly and naughty. I am also developing a set of custom kitchen tiles for a new home in Boston.

When did you decide that you needed a studio?
With the dust, the need for a kiln and a place to think, there’s no other way but to work in a studio.

When and how have you set up your studio?
I was living in London and acquired all of my equipment from a local potter who retired. I brought what I could with me when I moved to Brooklyn. I found the studio share through a pottery email list, Clayart. All that was left to find was a kiln and the time to put everything in place.

Did the studio setup have an impact on your crafter budget?
No, because I factored it in already. I just have to work harder and smarter because of the overhead.

How big is your studio?
My share of the space is about 200 square feet. It’s a 45 minute walk from my apartment and I find the walk a nice way to clear my head in preparation for my ceramic work.

Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
My fettling knife. I use it on everything. When I work, it feels like it's an extension of my hand. It’s sharp and shiny.

Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
I dance to samba music when nobody is around. 

How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
30 hours a week.

Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
I share the studio with two other potters. I enjoy their company and we share costs for utilities, etc. I like to work alone as well and go for long hours in an almost meditative state... until my husband reminds me it's time to come home.

Is there anything you would add to your working space?
A window on my side of the studio but that would be just a fantasy.

If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or showroom and why?
An atelier. It is a private creative space where I work and think. It’s also a jungle: hot, unruly, dense and at times chaotic, but there is guaranteed action and adventure!

And last but not least how often do you clean it?
For health and safety, I need to wet wipe my workspace every time I work. I try to mop the floor every other week. But if I do something messy, like mixing slip (liquid clay), or plaster mold-making, I always have the mop and bucket nearby...are you reading, studio-mates?!

Anything else you'd like to add?
Cook homemade meals. Use local ingredients. Serve on handmade ceramics. Enjoy them with your loved ones. Be happy.

Thank you, until the next studio snoop, ciao!

If you have an interesting studio or workspace and some tips to share, comment below or add photos to the Open Studio Flickr group,  and you may be next in our Open Studio Tour series!

Tags artist, Brooklyn, Ceramics and Pottery, clay, FrucciDesign, kiln, May Luk, New York, Open Studio Tours, sellers, studio, This Handmade Life, THIS HANDMADE LIFE, working spaces, workroom, workshop
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99 comments     Login to add your own!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. BlueShoeStudio

Dancing in the studio - woo hoo!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. ColorfulTherapy

Ceramics are AWESOME !!! Thanx for the tour ;0)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. virginiakraljevic

May Luk makes the most beautiful ceramics!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. neawear

You are really torturing me with those pottery picks at the end!!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. peekboutique

Wow I absolutely love your designs, they are gorgeous!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. UlvDesign

I always love having a look at people's studio spaces and hearing their stories!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. essimar

I love your color palettes May Luk!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. dragonhouseofyuen

beautiful desireable pieces and very sound advice - just wonderful! thank you May!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. BabbidgePatch

Thanks for sharing ~ beautiful work!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. themerrycrownsociety

this was wonderful. i love may luk's pottery & i'm so excited to see what she does with samantha hahn.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. AbellaBlue

Lovely work, I love this look into your studio!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. evihan

wowww....soo niceeee...thanx for sharing....

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. ParadiseBodyShop

Your work is so interesting with the impressions. Beautiful!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. pandawithcookie

Brooklyn represent!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. littlealouette

LOVE IT!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. vivikas

wonderful work!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. MyMoms

Wonderful collection with so many favorites, great article, thank you!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. TheFancyLamb

I love seeing others' studios! Gives me ideas. Plus it satisfies my nosy curiosities. :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. OldFashionNewFangled

I love to see studios, but I've yet to see one that looks like mine (and so many other creative people I know) -- A total mess! I can understand why it would not be as attractive or impressive, but I think it would still be quite interesting... controlled creative chaos is what I call it!! Does anybody out there want to share their messy spaces??

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. KOALACaddie

The photo of May Luc's tools is beautiful. I have 6 or 8 items I use every day in my work and they are so precious. This was a great article. Thank you.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. ZAPOLdesigns

..Something I always wanted to learn to do. Love it!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. vesselsandwares

Yay! Love peeking into other ceramic studio spaces!
May Luk's work is wonderful. And I enjoy seeing the work "in progress."
Thanks for the tour!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. gloilocksandbody

Oh wow! How wonderful! I love getting to see others creative spaces, looks like fun in there!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. thecluelesscrafter

great article.

i especially appreciated the question "what synonym would your studio be. . .?" I can totally visualize, feel Luk's space w/out being there.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. HeavenAwaits

A wonderful peek into an artists ceramic life..LOVE it!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:39 p.m. wabisabibrooklyn

May Luk roolz!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. buttonsbyrobin

Love these items.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. Morado

Awesome!! Thanks so much for the sneek peek :o)

http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Love this. Thanks for such a wonderful article! I have a lot of items to go heart now!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

Love the series! And love your items, wow!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. julieincharge

Great article, I loved having a glimpse into May's studio practice!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. pulpsushi

I am so happy to see May featured here. She is a great person who does fantastic work.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. tigersanddragons

Shared studios are great, especially when it comes to the costs of running kilns. I was in a Co-op studio for a couple of years and it was mega cheap (in Canada, nowhere near Brooklyn).

Interesting idea for a new series. May Luk, your work is beautiful.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. SimpleJoysPaperie

Enjoyed the interview and tour ~ lovely work, too!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. SewnNatural

really enjoyed this, thank you. i used to be part of a clay studio, some of my calmest and most creative moments were spent there. now i want to do it again :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. bijouxdellostregatto

Wonderful designs! Thank you for sharing!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. lovelygifts

Nice article. Beautiful ceramics.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:05 p.m. 1AEON

NIce stuff!! i need to forward this to a friend right now:)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. Ceruleanblue

I love your work; I realy miss Brooklyn!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. uniquedichroic

Thanks so much for sharing...I always find other peoples studios fascinating :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:25 p.m. sherrytruitt

Here's to windows and music...thanks for sharing. It's grand!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. CopperLeafStudios

wonderful article! thanks for letting us peek into your space :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. kmcgiveron

I love to see another Ceramic Artist!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. VixVintage

Can't wait for the naughty collection!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. niswanderceramics

What an elegant collection, just beautiful.:)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. MinceCo

Clay is such a magnificent resource, I like the angle May takes in her work.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. BabyEtte

I just love those blue images on the natural ceramic!
Lovely.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. KnitKnit

Great studio tour! I think one person dance parties are key ;)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. kimwestad

yay for pottery studios! thanks for sharing.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:57 p.m. MariesVintage

Awesome article, I love her work!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 8:29 p.m. theferngate

I love your work May Luk!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. StudioElan

Oh -I really do like to be nosy -thanks for the peek!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. flyingpignc

So fun to read about your studio life. I cant wait to see your new pottery.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. linguaNigra

Go May! Go May! So proud of my fellow NY Street Team member!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. saltandpaper

what an interesting peek!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. mossyrockpottery

Having your own studio rocks, but it can be lonely...

Sept. 22, 2009 at 10:37 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Great shop! Thanks for the peek!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. carolbroadleypottery

Always nice to see other potter's studios, nice shop!
Great collection of pottery!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. clubviv

such a great creation!!!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. patspottery

Wonderful article, love her studio:>)

Sept. 23, 2009 at 3:44 a.m. smilingbluedog

thanks May for letting us have a peek at your studio!
How do you keep your space so clean??
Slip + clay + plaster= DUST.
Beautiful work!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 4:16 a.m. LouiseRS

Im a ceramic artist too and I designed my new studio with room for dancing - must be a clay thing!!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 4:45 a.m. ovgilliesdesigns

Great selection of pottery! & thanks a lot for sharing with us!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 5:10 a.m. VintageJamie

Wonderful series! I can't wait for next article.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. Meekiyua

super article =D

Sept. 23, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. germandolls

Great article! Love the studio tour!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 7:47 a.m. nordeasoaperie

wonderful article May! i love your work (especially the special soap dishes you made for me!) keep up the good work!!!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 7:51 a.m. Cajajewelry

yeah may i just love your stuff!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. filmmonsters

Ooh! I love your new stuff.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. QuiteContrary2

absolutely love your pottery May, they're all gorgeous!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. waisze

Bravo! Your pieces are definitely amazing and one of a kind.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. DalkullanJewelry

May Luk, thanks for the look into your studio!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. breadandroses

Wonderful & inspirational studio snoop! Yes, to have a place to work uninterrupted......

Best wishes!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. cassidycay

Dancing to Samba Music... awesome! Thanks for letting us peak into your studio.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. fubabee

May Luk rocks!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. beadinbythesea

Great article. I'm looking forward to more in this series. All the ceramics you chose to feature are just beautiful!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. recycledwares

what beautiful work - love the designs

Sept. 23, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. worksandfinds

Best wishes to you. Lovely.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. michon

love this series, great article!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. atomicblue

I love studios. I've always had one....

Sept. 23, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. paramountvintage

what a fabulous studio! your ceramics are amazing.
i've recently started working with ceramics and will hopefully be listing
some on etsy very soon.
thanks for the inspiration!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. warpeDesign

yay, May!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 3:39 p.m. sineminugur

Great work!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 7:21 a.m. ooty

I love having the chance to see others studios =0) this is great thanks!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. aStudiobytheSea

Yay May! Such great work, love it, love the peek into your studio!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. Iammie

Nice works!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. jodieflowers

OMG! I am so jealous!!! Great article and awesome studio!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 7:14 p.m. JewelsandGhouls

Nice work to show! I love hearing about other artists and how much time they put in.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. GarageInc

Very nice work a true artist

Sept. 24, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. lealerjcreates

Love your pieces. Thanks for sharing!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:33 p.m. RedBridge

May Luk Rocks! Congrats

Sept. 26, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. FrucciDesign

Every time I readt this article I fell so honored that people let me snoop around their space!

thank you May Luk!!

Sept. 27, 2009 at 2:26 a.m. gilstrapdesigns

I took a pottery class once and I really did enjoy it. It is very relaxing I felt like a child playing again in the mud. I had lots of fun just playing.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. SimplySassySupplies

ahh..who doesn't love pottery! This is great..love these articles.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 1:19 a.m. Toxicguineapigs

I just got into ceramics and I'm in loooove. I appreciate it so much more now. :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:06 a.m. catryan

Lovely to see fresh and fun approaches to traditional shapes. And vey interesting to see how you work.

Oct. 17, 2009 at 12:40 a.m. twokidsstudio

very beautiful work! :)

Oct. 17, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. GoldhawkPotteryEtc

Thank you for highlighting this artist and how she set up her own studio. This is exactly what I am looking for, as I've been researching how to set up my own (shared) studio. More ideas please!!

Oct. 24, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. studiotempera

so lovely studio...!!!

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