Rue Liew who goes by they/them pronouns is formerly from Malaysia and is still seeking asylum. They currently reside in Melbourne where they tend to their ceramics pop-up shop in Footscray. The pop-up shop, Liew Ceramics, hosts workshops & private events and offers an opportunity to shop for handmade ceramics. They have previously sold their ceramics work in markets such as Welcome Merchant at Section 8, Red Pocket Press and random small markets to reach potential customers.
Starting a small business
Rue’s passion for creating ceramics has spanned five years through their knack for teaching and working with ceramics. An application for a grant from Maribyrnong Council being approved meant Rue had an opportunity to host their store for 4 months. Their resilience to make the most out of this opportunity meant putting their carpentry skills to the test with the creation of desks, chairs, and shelves to bring the ceramics store together. “I had this one opportunity to give it my all and thought why not give it a shot” Rue said.
Pop-up store aesthetic
The lack of Malaysian culture in Australia besides the food was the main basis for Rue to create a space to celebrate their culture. “I want all my Malaysian friends and artists to create art as we do not have our cultural presence in the art scene in Australia” Rue says. The stores aesthetic pays homage to Malaysian culture which needs to be recognised in Australia.
Ceramic styles
The main style of ceramics Rue specialises in is mid-fire due to its attainability but prefers to do whatever their heart desires. The art of wheel throwing and hand building can also be done at Liew Ceramics but due to equipment being expensive, a more hands-on approach is preferred. Their workshops are also popular where free reign is given to let your creativity flow when creating trinkets such as cups, jewellery holders and essence holders to name a few. “I teach the basics to those attending my workshops and allow for their imaginations to run wild and create what they like,” says Rue.
Rue’s customers also have the opportunity once they have done a workshop with them to be able to access Open Studio. This allows interested clients to come in whenever they are open for $10 an hour to create whatever they prefer.
Challenges faced in a pop-up ceramics store
When it comes to managing a pop-up ceramics store, some challenges need to be faced. “I found organising and running my store daunting as I do not earn as much and do not have any staff to help me” Rue explains. The added restriction of not having a kiln on location makes it harder for them when the pottery needs to be fired. These pottery items are required to be sent to another location for them to complete the process of being fired and ready to be hand-painted. Rue hopes to one day own a permanent ceramics store where they could have a kiln on location with an array of equipment.
Advice for someone who wants to start a pop-up store
“Go for it, put your hustle mindset on and try it out. If it does not work out that is ok. I am an overthinker which slowed down my process, but I couldn’t be happier that I followed my instincts and did it anyway” Rue exclaimed.
Customer takeaways
Rue hopes Liew Ceramics provides a space to learn for those wanting to learn a new skill or simply meet new people. “The reason I started ceramics was that I felt alone and connecting to my ancestors who did ceramics in Malaysia was helpful” Rue says.
Follow Liew Ceramics on Instagram to book a pottery session or check out their Valentine’s Day special now on offer for all customers.