When you think of a void deck in Singapore, you might picture a minimart, a clinic, or a barber shop. But in Bedok South Avenue 3, one void deck has been transformed into something entirely different — a cosy pottery studio that doubles as a creative sanctuary for families, seniors, and curious passers-by.
This is Studio SF, a 19-square-metre space filled with pottery wheels, paintbrushes, shelves of handmade cups and vases, and the calming sound of jazz music in the background. More than just a workspace, it is a place where people of all ages can explore creativity, connect with one another, and find joy in working with clay.
From Loss to a New Beginning
Studio SF is the brainchild of Kevin Chua, who opened the studio in November 2024 after the passing of his mother. For Kevin, pottery became more than a hobby — it was a way to heal, reflect, and create meaning out of a difficult chapter in life.
His journey into clay began during the pandemic when his wife, Vanessa, gifted him pottery lessons after spotting a workshop poster at a café. What started as a birthday surprise soon grew into more than 80 lessons, countless trinket dishes, and eventually, the decision to pursue pottery more seriously.
When his mother passed away in 2023, Kevin could no longer bring himself to create pottery at home where she once sat watching him work. That same year, he came across the opportunity to rent a small kiosk space in Bedok. It felt like fate — and Studio SF was born.
A Cosy Space for All
Step inside Studio SF and you will find a warm, inviting environment designed to welcome anyone who wants to try pottery. The studio is deliberately kept simple: two pottery wheels, a work table, comfortable seating, and shelves lined with creations. A kiln sits in the corner, ready to fire the pieces made during workshops.
Kevin and Vanessa named the space Studio Shun Fu, inspired by their Chinese names. Their mission is to share pottery with the community, not through rigid lessons, but through hands-on experiences that awaken creativity.
Workshops are intentionally beginner-friendly. First-time participants usually start with a trinket dish, painting and decorating it before firing. Later sessions introduce the pottery wheel.
Sessions last 1.5 hours and cost S$45 for children and S$65 for adults and teens. To make the workshops accessible, neighbourhood residents receive a 20 per cent discount, and seniors above 75 can attend classes for free.
Pottery That Connects Generations
While many participants are families, couples, or mother-daughter duos, Kevin has also brought pottery to active ageing centres around Bedok. Partnering with organisations such as St Andrew’s Active Ageing Centre and NTUC Health, Studio SF runs outreach programmes where seniors get to shape, paint, and fire their own pottery.
The results have been heartwarming. Kevin recalls a 94-year-old participant who initially hesitated, saying he could not see well. With encouragement, the man not only completed his first dish but also went on to make two more. Moments like these are what Kevin finds most rewarding.
Children bring their own brand of creativity too. One group insisted on making clay cats, prompting Kevin and Vanessa to improvise on the spot. The laughter and imagination they bring add to the studio’s lively atmosphere.
What Clay Teaches
For Kevin, clay is more than a material. It is a teacher. Every kiln firing can be unpredictable — colours may shift, textures may change, and results often surprise. Pottery demands patience, respect, and full attention in the present moment.
He believes that this humbling process is what makes pottery so therapeutic. “When you work with clay, you have to free your mind from distractions and focus entirely on the piece in front of you. Once it is done, you can let go and move on,” he explains.
This philosophy is embedded into Studio SF’s workshops. Rather than emphasising perfection, Kevin encourages participants to enjoy the process, embrace imperfections, and rediscover a childlike sense of wonder.
A Dream Shared with the Community
The idea of Studio SF also carries inspiration from a trip to Copenhagen in 2022, when Kevin and Vanessa stumbled upon a tiny pottery studio run by a single woman. That simple, intimate space left a lasting impression. Today, Kevin hopes Studio SF offers the same feeling of stepping into a creative dream.
“When people walk past, I want the studio to look like a dream. And when they step in, I want them to feel like they have entered mine,” he says.
From grief to growth, Studio SF is now more than a pottery studio. It is a sanctuary where clay connects people, creativity heals hearts, and communities come together — all within the walls of a humble Bedok void deck.
Visit Studio SF
Studio SF is located at 163 Bedok South Avenue 3, #01-K1. Workshops are typically held in the evenings and on weekends.
To register, simply send a direct message to Studio SF’s Instagram page and book your session. Whether you are a beginner, a senior, or a curious neighbour, Studio SF welcomes you to discover the joy of pottery.
