Madelynn from United States
Illustrator

“I recently booked a private event at Clay Studio Leiden with Ipek, and it was a fantastic experience! When we arrived, Ipek made my friends and me feel warm and comfortable in her cozy, welcoming studio.

We were excited to learn about the glazing process, as many of us were trying it for the first time. Ipek’s patient guidance and clear instructions made the experience enjoyable for everyone, regardless of skill level.

The atmosphere was relaxed yet creative, and we had so much fun painting our plates. The refreshments were also a lovely touch—prosecco and coffee were available, adding to the day’s celebratory feel.

One thing I particularly appreciated was Ipek’s excellent communication. She ensured we all understood that the firing process would take one week, so there were no surprises. We were delighted with our finished plates upon picking up the final product!

If you’re looking for a unique, hands-on experience for a private event or party, I highly recommend Clay Studio Leiden. It’s a fantastic way to bond with friends, learn something new, and create personalized keepsakes.

Thank you, Ipek, for making our day so memorable!”

Elif from Turkey
Naval architect

"I've been attending Ipek's studio in Leiden for almost two years now, and it has truly become my happy place.

The atmosphere is so inviting, where all the worries of life fade away, and you can fully immerse yourself in creativity.

Ipek is incredibly experienced and warm, making everything so much easier. Her kindness is evident in the welcoming community at the studio.

Being a regular at the studio is fulfilling, and I have no intention of ever leaving.

I'm thankful to Ipek for creating such a nurturing environment."

Karen from Indonesia
Project manager

“Ah, where do I start?

The community is just amazing.

Who’d have known that I’d meet some of the most brilliant, respectful, kind and supportive people in this studio?

Disclaimer: this might start sounding like a dating site ad but I promise you it’s not.

The studio - unlike other studios I’ve been to - is clean, spacious and organised. My neuro divergence is happy.

The pottery wheels, the glazes, the porcelain, the equipments - they all scream quality.

And then there’s Ipek Kotan.

THE Ipek Kotan. (Fangirling here). 🥰

I initially signed up because it's hers. If I want to learn something new, I might as well learn directly from someone who is renowned worldwide.

I’ve never known anyone so humble, so good, yet so generous with their skills.

Ipek is remarkable.

Just as how important the techniques are, Ipek also exposes the nature of the porcelain and pottery, which is just a state of living. ✨

I crazy admire her as an artist, a mentor, a person and a friend.

I believe anyone who has met her would vouch for her kindness, purity and empathy.

She intuitively knows when to slow me down so I don’t burn out, when to push me to get there and when to calm me when I get overwhelmed.

There's something truly healing and magical about my pottery journey here and I am grateful for Ipek. She’s the person who has made this all possible.

Ipek, how lucky I am to have "found" you.

So maybe it is a dating site ad afterall, you made me fall in love (with pottery and especially porcelain).

Face first. Hard.”

Mathilde from the Netherlands
Manager

“We went for a workshop glazing at Ipek’s studio as a fun team-building activity.

Ipek welcomed us with champagne and sweet treats. Later she and her assistant explained all possibilities of drawings we could create on our plates and she really took the time to discuss everyone their personal wishes.

It was really special how we all got a very personal treatment, despite our large group. After the brainstorm, we were ready for the drawing and painting.

During the drawing and painting, there was a relaxing vibe. Everyone was working with such concentration, that the whole room fell silent. After the drawing and painting, it was time to glaze.

Ipek noted all our preferences for the glazing and she glazed them for us. After the workshop, we had a dinner at the restaurant ‘Leidse Lente’ downstairs.

The plates were done after a few weeks and they turned out very nice.

The ceramic painting was a very nice activity and Ipek was a lovely teacher. We would recommend the workshop the everyone.”

Adri from Paraguay
Illustrator & designer

“I took a wheel-throwing workshop with Ipek and it was great. She is very experienced and explains everything so well. And the studio space is just a dream.”

Cindy from the Netherlands
Information technology student at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

”This was my first time going to a pottery/ wheel throwing class. my brother in law gifted me a workshop class in Clay Studio Leiden as a 5 year anniversary gift.

My first impression of the studio was very memorable. i remember being very comfortable because of the coziness and the soft colours in the studio (i think its the ikea furniture and the warm lighting that really ties in this save/ comfy feeling). i was very surprised and thankful to see that Ipek even had some champagne ready to celebrate (:

Her teaching skills are very pleasant! after her demonstration, she gave me enough freedom to try and practice the techniques of wheel throwing, with some feedback here and there. Ipek was overall very patient with us students and fun to talk to!

I was also pleasantly surprised at how much emphasis there was on having an ergonomic posture while wheel throwing. i have learned that wheel throwing clay (especially if you want to make bigger pieces) does exhaust the body physically, and having this advice given to me showed that Ipek really cared about me and her students. i have a feeling you won't get advice of that level of detail and importance in other workshops because of how much experience Ipek has.

The sculpting tools handed to me were quite easy to use. using the wheel was a bit more difficult, but after some time, you get used to controlling the pace of the spinning and the pressure you have to apply to the clay. when you do, wheel throwing becomes very addicting haha.

Overall, my experience was very positive. i highly recommend this workshop and teacher, and i will definitely be coming back to finish my trinket trays! see you then (:”

Eva from Germany
Business coach

“I remember entering Ipek's studio for my first pottery class. I was sooo excited, because this was my first time ever attending a wheel throwing workshop and since I'm a bit of an introvert, I was excited for the exchange with the other participants as well. 😂 Thanks to Ipek's authentic, patient and openminded nature and here inspiring passion for pottery, I forgot about my fears and got to enjoy three beautiful workshops. She responded individually to all the questions, showed us demos and helped us build confidence when working with clay.

My results from working with Ipek are not only five beautiful pottery pieces that I use for snacks and jewelry but also the mantra "We don't aim for perfection, we aim for good enough" which inspired me beyond pottery – for my professional and personal life.

When I watch the video I recorded during a workshop I attended, I can see the happiness that I experienced during the class.

Thank you Ipek for this amazing experience. ❤️”

Yu from China & Japan
Tea expert

"Two years ago, I was peeking into her studio from the outside.

Recently, I had my first glazing workshop with her. A new piece has been added to my matcha bowl.

Her atelier has a very Zen atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese room. I’m looking forward to creating more various artworks here."

Kaja from Poland
Sales

“I fell in love with Ipek's studio at first sight. Bright and organised space facilities creativity. Ipek is a great and open-minded teacher who values her students and their work. Thanks to her advice and mentorship I can see my skills developing fast and falling in love with pottery more and more. For me, the community aspect of the studio is also a precious cherry on top of everything. What Ipek offers is unique.”

Bart from the Netherlands
Manager, public sector

“Ipek’s studio is a great place to be. The well-organised and pleasant space she carefully looks after, makes for an excellent environment for being creative and ‘in the moment’. Ipek is a great artist and an outstanding teacher. Not only does she teach you the right techniques and skills, she also balances perfectly between supporting your own design choices and process and encouraging you to try new challenges or a different approach.

After I started with an introduction into wheelthrowing workshop, I immediately became ‘addicted’ to this wonderful craft. I am now a frequent visitor of the open studio’s, where I enjoy wheelthrowing, trimming and glazing with other pottery-enthusiasts, whilst still getting great advice from Ipek.

Wheelthrowing is a great way to relax, be creative and focused in a different way.”

Laura from Germany
European Space Agency systems engineer

“I highly recommend Ipek's clay studio to anyone seeking an inspiring creative experience.

The atmosphere of her studio has a relaxing and cozy vibe, setting the perfect tone for an enjoyable workshop.

Ipek's profound knowledge, patience, and clear explanations make the sessions accessible and enjoyable. Her artistry is truly inspiring, leaving participants feeling both welcomed and motivated.

Overall, my time at the studio was incredibly enriching, leaving me inspired and eager to continue exploring the world of clay art.”

Jasmijn from the Netherlands
TU Delft student administration manager

“Signing up for a few classes at Ipek’s light, beautiful spacious studio was one of my best ideas this year.

I would love to be in this amazing studio each week! It is the most calming, zen space I can think of. Your head is clear and at peace; all you focus on is the process of creating. It almost feels like meditation.

Ipek is a true professional and a wonderful mentor; she gently guides you where you want to go and lets you discover what you’re capable of.

There is magic happening there!”

Janneke from the Netherlands
Internist-infectiologist

“I love working at Ipeks studio. She creates a wonderful relaxed atmosphere, that allows me to turn off my mind and fully focus at ceramics, almost like meditation.

I have done a throwing class before, but Ipeks studio is outstanding because of all the beautiful materials (porcelain), high quality tools and glazes she uses for her students.

What makes Ipek special, is that she is an amazing artist as well as a wonderful enthusiastic and patient teacher. She is always busy making sure everyone is happy and knows which techniques to use. And who doesn’t want to learn from the best?”

Justyna from Poland
Quality specialist

“I received Ipek's workshops as a gift and that was such a special experience!

I took part in a wheel throwing session, it was my first time and thanks to Ipek and her instructions I managed to create 3 pieces. 2 weeks later I glazed them on the glazing workshops.

The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing, the groups are small, around 3-4 people, so everyone have time to ask for guidance. Highly recommend Ipek's studio 🙂”

Hannah from the Netherlands
MD

“The studio is truely my happy place.

The cosy and warm creative safe space that Ipek creates in her studio through her very welcoming and lovely personality and her infectious passion for ceramics is a unique fertile ground for creativity. I also think she has a great talent for nurturing creativity.

She guides you but doesn’t push her teachings upon you which I greatly appreciate in her teaching style.

When I brought my first piece home, everytime when I looked at the piece I felt the same warm, happy and cosy atmosphere of the studio, as if the piece brought it back to my home!”

Stephanie from Colombia
Tender manager

“I was looking for a ceramics class and after searching for a while I found Clay Studio Leiden. I liked her warmth from the beginning and signed up for a few workshops.

I took my first lesson and fell in love with ceramics. Her studio and the ambiance is so relaxing and transports me every time. I really like Ipek’s approach to teaching and since it is in a small group it is like having private lessons.

She really focuses on each person’s development. I highly recommend her studio as a great value-experience. Totally worth it !!!”

Karina from Malaysia
Epidemiologist

“Ipek’s passion for her craft is very infectious. I particularly liked that she gives her students so much freedom - Ipek does not impose her choices onto us. She guides gently through encouraging us to explore our own styles and to be free to just try. 

I joined Ipek’s class with zero experience, and yet I felt so at ease and comfortable.

I loved the ambience of the studio, and how I could spend three whole hours there completely at peace and not realizing time had passed. T

he company of other students is great too. Friendly, fun and so diverse – in their backgrounds, experiences and their artistic styles. I hope to join again and learn more about this wonderful craft.”

Ariadne from England
AI developer

“A joyful experience! Ipek is not only a wonderful teacher but also lovely person and welcoming host.

She explains the medium and process clearly while encouraging you to create something unique and personal.

Highly recommended if you want to try something creative. A joy to be able to learn from a talented artist and a kind human being.”

Calvin from the Netherlands
Business analyst, ABN AMRO

”I have always wanted to try wheel throwing, and after reading a few articles and seeing photos of Ipek's artwork, I decided to take a class with her. The experience was wonderful! Ipek taught me the basics of wheel throwing and the importance of centering, and she guided me step-by-step until I was able to create my own pieces. I was able to learn so much in just my first class!

What I especially loved was that Ipek has a contagious enthusiasm and encourages her students to explore and be creative. She is not only an expert in her craft but also a fantastic teacher! In addition, she is a very kind and compassionate person, which made the lesson a joy to attend.

The studio was very clean and pleasant, making it very comfortable and welcoming. Overall, I had a great experience and would highly recommend anyone to take a class with Ipek! I am already looking forward to my next classes!”

Ifigeneia from Greece
Structural engineer

“I decided to take private & semi-private courses with Ipek after 2 years of weekly courses (on the wheel) in other studios. During our first course I was super excited with the studio, how organized and clean it was and the tips that Ipek gave about the body posture, but most of all I loved her teaching method!

When she told me that centering is a quick job and that I would be able to center quickly after our lessons, I was quite hesitant, I thought that it was too good to be true, especially because I was already taking courses for 2 years and centering was always requiring a lot of time! But, already in the 3rd lesson I was able to center the clay within a few minutes, I still can't describe my enthusiasm!!!

I definitely recommend Ipek's workshops for starters, but also for more advanced students! There are no words to express how grateful I am that I decided to follow these workshops! I'm looking forward to the rest of our lessons :)

The glazing session was overwhelming, so many beautiful colors and textures to choose from; it definitely encouraged me to further explore the world of glazing. It all came together during our open studio session. We were encouraged to follow our own instincts and Ipek was there to advise and encourage us. It was a great first experience and looking forward to many more sessions in the future and engaging with the community as well as working at home on my newly acquired throwing wheel!”

Masa from Japan
Assay development scientist

“Ipek is not only an expert in the field of pottery but also she is a great mentor with tremendous enthusiasm in teaching. She is a good listener, and she arranges lessons that fit your need and skill to reach desired goals. When possible, she also encourages you to go outside of your comfort zone to try and experience new things. 

I have very busy work and family life and as a result, have limited time for pottery. So having been able to receive close attention in each lesson made me feel being well looked after and also helped me progress rapidly to reach my first goal without prior experience of wheel throwing.

I feel very lucky to have found her as my mentor!!”

Anne-Marie from the Netherlands
Estate lawyer

“For a long time, I wanted to do something for myself that would allow me to be creative and that would help me to unwind a little from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. At some point I came across an article about Ipek, her artwork and her clay studio, and shortly after, I took a private lesson with her to see if ceramics and wheel throwing might be what I was looking for.

The experience was great! It is not only the clay and the wheel that make you slow down, but also the way Ipek teaches. She is so friendly, so encouraging and so inspiring. Ipek gives clear instructions and she is very patient. She really lets you work the clay yourself, but guides you in every way possible. I really feel that you can learn so much from her in a relatively short time by the attention and personal guidance you get from her. She really encourages you to just go for it and let you be proud of your work, even if it is not (yet) perfect.

Thank you Ipek, for this wonderful experience. With just one lesson, you really made me enthusiastic about ceramics and wheel throwing and made me want to learn more.”

Monique from the Netherlands
Agricultural engineer

“The mini course I attended in August was a wonderful experience - making me even more enthusiastic to explore ceramics and join the ceramic community!

Ipek is not only a great teacher, she also takes the time to engage with her students and make them feel at home with ceramic art and their own creativity. Her studio is a beautiful place to explore the world of ceramics. I loved our extended throwing session (we went way beyond the allotted time and learned so many skills).

The glazing session was overwhelming, so many beautiful colors and textures to choose from; it definitely encouraged me to further explore the world of glazing. It all came together during our open studio session.

We were encouraged to follow our own instincts and Ipek was there to advise and encourage us. It was a great first experience and looking forward to many more sessions in the future and engaging with the community as well as working at home on my newly acquired throwing wheel!”

Magnus from Sweden
Mass spectrometrist

“Have attended several workshops at Clay Studio Leiden and always leave looking forward to return. The artist/teacher is extremely knowledgeable, and enthusiastic to teach students at all levels with remarkable patience.

The workshops I attended were all in small groups (4-5 students), making sure everyone got a lot of attention and assistance.

Strongly recommended for anyone wishing to try out or improve their ceramics skills in the Randstad area.”

Teresa from Argentina
Art teacher

“After several years of throwing and taking classes with different teachers, taking a class with Ipek made me fall in love with ceramics again. She helped me improve my technique so much in just one class.

She was incredibly patient, generous and kind.

I highly recommend taking a class with Ipek, it was a wonderful experience and I learned many new skills that I now use every day.”

Ana from Spain
Biologist

“I was recommended Ipek ́s studio among others. When I check her art, I immediately felt in love with her designs: soft, gentle, minimalists, simple and elegant. It grabbed my attention.

I contacted her, went to her studio and took my first lesson which has been one of the most relieving and relaxing experiences since long time ago. I forgot where I was, it was just Ipek, the ball of clay and me in that particular moment. It was a really mindful experience. My little me (mi niña interior) was relaxed, playful and joyful.”