To anyone looking to re-ignite their creative flame, I offer you this one piece of advice - dig deeper. A journey inward that can really only be facilitated by opening yourself up to feeling everything. It’s easier said than done, but try eliminating distractions and modernity. Get into nature, despite potential bad weather. Move your body, say how you really feel. Turn off the lights and eliminate synthetic fragrance from your life. Stop eating crap also, cook yourself a meal with nourishing ingredients. Call your family or friends that feel like family - even better, go out for a drink with them. 

Hi, it's been a while!
Mango in a Pot is evolving and expanding, as usual. If you’ve been following the studio’s journey so far, you’ll know that I, Sam, have been the sole owner of the studio, which when I opened in 2022, was more than enough man-power to keep this clay-filled initiative moving. Now, 2 and a half years later, the studio has out-grown its single ownership and two new co-owners are jumping aboard. 

Mango in a Pot is a shared ceramic workspace used by over 20 artists on a weekly basis, but at its core, Mango is on a mission to connect and inspire the lovely people of our community. There are many other ceramic spaces in Amsterdam, yet the reason why our community continues to grow is that we offer something different - we are offering true connection. According to Robert Putman, we are building valuable social capital that our world so desperately needs. 

Mango in a Pot has continued to evolve since opening its doors back in 2022. Each era of the studio having its own distinct flavor, this constant evolution is something that happens unprovoked. As owner of the studio, I feel like a mother whos baby is all grown up and can do things on its own. It’s a strange feeling of letting go and letting the community mold the space (literally and metaphorically) into a place that serves them.

As mother nature teases us with short spells of sun, the studio is starting to come into bloom, much like the growing plants outside. Spring teaches us that good things come to those who wait, and those who are patient. A similar lesson can be learned from the pottery wheel. Good things don’t happen all at once, but with time, your wheel throwing skills can begin to fully blossom.

You can call it whatever you want: a growth spurt, coming of age, puberty. The fact of the matter is, the studio is going through changes (cue the Big Mouth theme song). Much like all of us when we entered into those awkward years of teenage growth, the essence of the studio will remain unchanged, but it’s voice got a bit deeper and it’s feeling more grown up.

It seems my side of social media has decided that the dead of winter is a poor time to make resolutions and set goals.

I can’t say I disagree, as temperatures outside remain at a constant sub-zero, it feels like my internal fire is burning solely for survival, less so to fuel an entire year’s worth of intention. That being said, I think this time of the year is better suited for self-reflection, creative expression and relaxation. The line-up for January and February workshops has been intentionally crafted to help us get through these cold and dark days with ease. After all, creative expression and community are the best remedy for the winter chill. A heart-warmer if you will.

The doors of Mango in a Pot have been opened for just over a year. The space has taken on many forms throughout these past 12 months, but most importantly, it has served as a facilitator for connection and community.

I almost can’t believe that 2023 is already coming to a close. The studio has grown and developed so beautifully since opening our doors in December 2022, it’s hard to believe that a year has flown by already!

That being said, there are lots of exciting new activities planned before the year comes to a close.

Mango in a Pot is now offering a 3-lesson path for anyone who’s interested in starting their wheel throwing journey. The workshops will be given on an individual, one-to-one, basis, meaning we will be scheduling these 3 lessons around your calendar. We can start at any time (if the studios/your calendar allows it) and each lesson is tailored to your learning level.