My name is Ida, I am 25 years old, and I come from Denmark. My dream is to make a living from what I love most – ceramics. Creativity has always been a big part of my life, and working with clay allows me to express myself in a way that feels both meaningful and fulfilling. Beyond ceramics, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, cooking, baking, and finding inspiration in my surroundings – whether in familiar places or exploring new ones. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures but also enjoy the comfort of home and creating an inspiring space around me.
In January 2025, I completed my bachelor’s degree in social work. I pursued this education out of curiosity about people and a desire to help others. While I don’t plan to work in this field, my studies have given me valuable skills in communication and human interactions.
I started working with ceramics three years ago alongside my studies. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a deep passion, and I gradually discovered the techniques I enjoy most and excel at. Over time, I dedicated more energy to ceramics – sometimes even more than my studies – realizing that this was what I truly wanted to pursue. Most of my work is now done on the pottery wheel, where I have significantly developed my skills.
My biggest aspiration is to build a life around ceramics – not only by creating and selling my work but also by sharing the beauty of the craft with others. Handmade art has something truly special, and I hope to inspire people to appreciate craftsmanship in their daily lives.
I applied for the EYE program for several reasons. Since my boyfriend was going abroad for a semester, I saw this as the perfect chance to explore new opportunities after finishing my studies. Knowing I wanted to turn ceramics into my career, I researched grants and programs supporting young artists and came across this opportunity. The flexibility of choosing the country that made the most sense for me made it an ideal fit. The EYE program became the perfect stepping stone for an invaluable learning experience – one that I am now in the middle of and deeply grateful for.
My host entrepreneur, Karolina, has worked with ceramics for over 20 years. Originally from Poland, she first worked in a shared workshop in Italy before opening her own studio three years ago. Now, she produces and sells her ceramics while hosting workshops and courses. Her extensive experience and passion for the craft make her an inspiring mentor.
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During the first weeks of my exchange, I have fully immersed myself in the daily life of the studio, experiencing all aspects of running a ceramics business. We have been producing both Karolina’s and my own pieces, and I have had the chance to create things from scratch that I had never tried before. I have learned how to mix glazes, load and unload the kiln, and recycle clay for new projects – essential skills in a ceramics studio. Additionally, I participated in one of Karolina’s workshops, where I explored techniques different from the ones I usually focus on.
This experience is already proving incredibly valuable. Creatively, it is amazing to have a space where I can fully focus on my craft, experiment with ideas, and receive feedback. Working continuously with ceramics and following all processes from start to finish is a huge advantage, allowing me to engage in a workflow I had long been curious about but never had the facilities to explore.
Since I am self-taught, this exchange gives me the chance to learn fundamental techniques that will improve the quality of my work. It also provides insight into what a full-time career in a ceramics studio looks like and the opportunities it offers – whether running courses, opening a shop, or establishing an open studio concept. Overall, this program provides me with a practical understanding of what it takes to start and run a ceramics business. Instead of just imagining possibilities, I now have the chance to experience what is truly realistic and how I can turn my passion into a sustainable profession.
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