Ceramication Founder, Rayn Leow: Ceramics studio helping persons with disabilities

Rayn Leow’s passion for pottery was sparked at a young age, but his journey has evolved far beyond art. Through his ceramics studio, Ceramication, Rayn combines creativity and compassion – empowering persons with disabilities, and bringing meaning to every piece he creates.

“It sounds funny, but I was completely mesmerised by the movie Ghost. Watching that iconic scene with the potter’s wheel, something inside me knew – this was what I wanted to do.”

At six years old, little Rayn didn’t realise it at the time, but that chance viewing of the 90s hit movie would spark a fascination that would shape the course of his life. “It wasn’t just the clay,” he recalls, “it was the transformation – the idea that with just your hands, you could turn something simple into something meaningful.”

Years later, Rayn Leow would follow that fascination, turning his love for pottery into something far greater – a mission to empower others through art.

Finding Creativity in Unexpected Places

Rayn’s path to becoming a full-time ceramist wasn’t a direct one. Like many others, he initially followed a conventional career path, influenced by society’s expectations.

“The message I got growing up was clear – ace the STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics) subjects and you’ll thrive, choose arts and you’ll barely survive!” Rayn shares with a laugh. And so, he studied evolutionary biology in Australia, served three years as a combat engineer officer in the Singapore Armed Forces, and spent several more years working as a safety manager in the construction industry.

But something was missing. “I was hiding from myself,” Rayn admits. “I knew I was a creative all along, but felt I needed to follow the well-intentioned advice of elders, who pointed me towards more traditional pathways of success.”

Since his first year in the army, pottery was always Rayn’s escape — a creative outlet where he could let go of the rigidity of his day jobs, and bring his creative visions to life. It wasn’t until the loss of a dear friend that Rayn recognised the fragility of life and decided to carve his own path – one that placed his passion for pottery and ceramics at the centre of everything.

The Birth of Ceramication

In 2020, Rayn took a bold leap and founded Ceramication, his very own ceramics studio. As the world was on pause from the pandemic, this gave Rayn additional time and space to think about what he really wanted, beyond spending his days at the pottery wheel.

This period of introspection helped Rayn to realise that he wanted to do more than create beautiful ceramics – he aspired to build something bigger, something that would bring value not only his life, but to the lives of others.

Art as Empowerment

“Art can sometimes be seen as an egoistic pursuit,” Rayn shares, “but I personally prefer art that’s accessible and inclusive.” He adds, “I hope that through my art, I’ll be able to contribute to others, while advocating for the beauty and healing power of art.”

In line with his vision, Rayn’s studio recently worked on a pilot project with SG Enable, setting up a ceramics production line staffed with persons with disabilities (PWDs). The project offered the opportunity to impart his skills to persons with disabilities.

The Healing Power of Art

Rayn’s commitment to using art for good extends beyond his studio. He also works with Art:DIS to support artists with disabilities, and leads workshops at APSN Katong School – providing students with special needs the opportunity to explore their creativity, build their confidence, and connect with others.

On a particularly touching note, Rayn also holds pottery workshops for terminally ill patients in hospices, offering them the opportunity to create lasting mementos for their loved ones. “Ceramics have a timeless quality,” he explains. “As long as it remains unbroken, a piece of ceramic art can last indefinitely, becoming a cherished keepsake that families can display and treasure in their homes.”

In The Works

Looking to the future, Rayn is in the process of establishing a community pottery studio, and is currently looking for sponsors who share his vision. He explains, “I want to create a space for PWDs, old folks, and other vulnerable groups to come, create, and connect. It’s not just about working, it’s about coming out of isolation and being social.”

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

As an artist, Rayn’s ceramics embody both mastery and meaning. Drawing inspiration from cultural motifs and crafted with technical expertise, his designs serve as symbols of transformation, where raw clay becomes timeless works of art.

The contributions of the PWDs at Ceramication further enrich the studio’s creations, adding layers of meaning and purpose to the collections that bear their touch.

With every creation, Rayn is not only crafting pottery – he’s shaping a legacy that blends art, inclusivity, and purpose. And in a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, Rayn’s work reminds us that beauty is found not only in the things we create, but also in the connections we forge along the way.