From Catalunya to Faenza: how Erasmus+ fueled my artistic career
When I joined the Erasmus+ programme and started my internship at Fiorenza Pancino’s ceramics studio in Faenza, Italy, I didn’t fully realize how much it would change my life. I knew I would learn about ceramics and improve my skills, but this experience turned out to be much more than that. It became the starting point for my growth as both an artist and young professional in this field.
Learning the craft: from clay to kiln
At Fiorenza Pancino’s studio, I learned every step of the ceramics process. From shaping clay to using the kiln and applying glazes, I gained hands-on experience that deepened my understanding of the art. Fiorenza also taught me how to present my work in exhibitions and through photography, which is key for sharing the story behind each piece.
I also developed my people skills by helping customers who visited the studio. Learning how to talk about my work and make connections with others was just as important as mastering the technical side of ceramics.
A well-rounded experience
My time in Faenza wasn’t limited to Fiorenza’s studio. I also worked with Elvira Keller, focusing on the potter’s wheel, and at the Gino Geminiani workshop, a coworking space where I balanced teaching ceramics with learning from Roberto Reali, a true master of the craft.This combination of practical learning, teaching, and collaborating with others gave me a deeper appreciation for ceramics and showed me how many opportunities there are to build a career in this field.
Growing beyond the studio
My Erasmus+ experience wasn’t just about ceramics; it was also about immersing myself in a new culture. Before arriving in Faenza, I took an Italian language course, but my real progress came from everyday conversations, making friends, and becoming part of the local community. These interactions not only improved my language skills but also helped me grow personally and build confidence.
Finding my entrepreneurial spirit
Seeing how Fiorenza and other professionals managed their studios inspired me to think about starting my own business. The skills I gained, both artistic and practical, gave me the confidence to dream about running my own studio one day.
One highlight of my internship was helping prepare for Argillà, an international ceramics fair held every other year in Faenza. Being part of such a big event allowed me to meet artists from around the world and see what’s possible in the world of ceramics. It also showed me how important collaboration and community are for building a successful career.
Overcoming fears and embracing opportunities
Before starting this journey, I had some doubts. Would I feel lonely? Would not knowing the language hold me back? But once I arrived, I realized these fears weren’t as big as they seemed. The people I met and the lessons I learned made every challenge worthwhile.
If you’re thinking about doing an Erasmus+ internship, my advice is simple: go for it. It’s an amazing opportunity to grow, both as a professional and as a person, and to explore new possibilities.
Looking ahead
As I prepare to leave Faenza, I feel incredibly grateful for everything this experience has given me. Thanks to Erasmus+, I’ve grown both as a ceramist and as a person. One of the biggest achievements from this journey is being admitted to a prestigious master’s programme in ceramics in Bilbao, where I’ll continue to refine my craft and expand my artistic vision. While Catalunya is my home, Bilbao will now be the next chapter of my life, a place to build on all the skills and knowledge I’ve gained in Faenza.
Overall, the Erasmus+ programme didn’t just give me an internship: it gave me direction, confidence, and a community. For all of that, I am truly thankful.