Studio Papaya is an ongoing journey. What once started as a ceramics label has grown into a collective of ceramicists based in Leipzig and Berlin over the years. Today, Studio Papaya connects different approaches to clay: from ceramics under our new labels Studio Peng and Schwund Keramik, to workshops and memberships at Open Studio Papaya in Leipzig.
You can still purchase ceramics through our independent labels – both online and through temporary drops in selected stores or directly at our studios in Leipzig and Berlin. If you’d like to try your own hand at clay, Open Studio Papaya is the place to go.
The best way to stay updated on new drops, events, and courses is to follow us on Instagram.
THE
JOURNEY
SO FAR
Studio Papaya was founded by Johanna Lotz and Verena Deist in 2020. Both had a background in psychology, but clay sparked something new – freedom, curiosity, and a material that invited experimentation. After sharing a small studio, they joined forces and created Studio Papaya. By September 2020, they had moved into a larger space and began producing clean, minimalistic tableware collections alongside more eccentric, one-of-a-kind pieces.
NEW
WAYS
Over the years, Studio Papaya has evolved. Together with Maria Franzeck, who is now the heart and face behind Open Studio Papaya in Leipzig, the project has grown into a welcoming space where members and workshop participants are guided in their first (or ongoing) steps with clay.
At the same time, we, Johanna and Verena, have taken new creative paths: producing ceramics under our independent labels Studio Peng and Schwund Keramik. This allows us to keep exploring our own voices, while Papaya continues to thrive as a larger collective.
Studio Papaya has always been more than just two people. From the very beginning, it has been shaped by the many hands and minds that joined along the way – family, friends, interns, friends-turned-interns (and the other way around), and last but not least our open studio hosts. People with diverse backgrounds and talents have contributed to the energy, creativity, and warmth that make Papaya what it is today.
You can become part of this story too – by joining a workshop or becoming a member at Open Studio Papaya.
THE
COLLECTIVE
COLLABORATIONS
AND
PROJECTS
Studio Papaya has previously worked with artists on collaborations and is open to doing so in the future. Wholesale projects and custom tableware for restaurants remain exciting opportunities – feel free to get in touch with your idea.
STUDIO PAPAYA
JOHANNA LOTZ & VERENA DEIST
STUDIO PAPAYA
Verena Deist & Johanna Lotz
Mail: hello@studiopapaya.de
Instagram: @hellostudiopapaya.de