How did you get started in ceramics?
I started in 1979 with a beginners’ course in Eibar. From there, I moved to Galicia and got a place in a ceramics workshop in Buño, A Coruña, where the master Aparicio Añón gave me a wheel so that I could practise. Later, I moved to Carnota and launched my first workshop.
What are your fundamental skills?
I have focused on the research of pastes, glazes, finishes and on the design and making of ovens and utensils. Social networks are great tools for the dissemination of our work. On my website, you can find my articles on these fields, as I advocate the exchange of ideas and experiences.
©Eugenia Bascuas Gonçalves
What would be your advice to young artisans?
I would encourage them to persevere. This craft requires a slow learning process, so I advise patience, determination and stubbornness. They now have information sources that we did not have a few years ago: they must take advantage of them and train.
Could your craft be considered in danger?
Ceramics and crafts in general, suffer ups and downs. There are periods of prosperity, and other times in which everything seems to disappear. I believe that as long as there are people who appreciate unique, well made craft products, there will be artisans.