Studio Visit with Sivim Ly
 ACME NO. 2 Sivim Ly |
 ACME NO. 3 Sivim Ly |
There’s something undeniably special about stepping into an artist’s studio—the quiet hum of creativity, the scent of clay and glaze, the sense that you’re standing in the middle of something becoming. It’s a moment of intimacy, of being let in on the process, and it always leaves me feeling more connected—to the artist, to the work, and to the ever-evolving creative dialogue that makes LES what it is.
Our most recent visit took us to Sivim Ly’s studio, a light-filled space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It is the kind of place where inspiration feels inevitable. Sun streams through large windows, catching on half-finished sculptures, books stacked high with references, and the scattered remnants of experimentation. It’s the perfect balance of order and artistic chaos—the mark of a maker deeply engaged in their craft.
As we talked, Sivim pulled a work-in-progress from her shelf, a piece unlike anything I’d seen from her before. It was weird and wonderful, with a slightly wonky form that made it all the more compelling. “I don’t know where it’s going yet,” she admitted with a laugh. And that’s exactly what I loved about it—the unknown, the freedom to push past the expected and into something new.
Her space reflects that same spirit of exploration. Every shelf and surface holds a story: art nouveau ironwork images, weathered pages from reference books on historic ceramics, a particular favorite of hers—the Lover’s Cup, an ancient form designed to be shared. The way she spoke about these refrences, tracing their lineage through history, made it clear how much she honors craftsmanship while still making it entirely her own.
Studio visits aren’t just about admiring the work—they’re about building something together. They’re where ideas take shape, where future collaborations are born, where we dream up what’s next. We talked about upcoming projects, new directions, and what might find its way into the next LES launch. These relationships aren’t just transactions; they’re partnerships, rooted in trust, mutual admiration, and the belief that the best work happens when we push each other forward.
Nothing beats these conversations happening in real life, surrounded by the raw materials of creativity. That’s where the magic happens.