A Letter from Corrie Bain: Celebrating 5 Years of Our Ceramic School
As I sit down to write this, my heart is full of gratitude, reflection, and hope. This year marks five years since we opened the doors to our ceramic school in Barcelona, and what a journey it has been. On December 12th, we gathered for a small celebration to honor this milestone—a beautiful evening filled with laughter, shared stories, and a sense of community that reminded me why I started this adventure in the first place. I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the past, acknowledge the challenges, and look forward to an exciting future.
When I founded this school, I dreamed of creating a space where people could explore their creativity, connect through the transformative power of clay, and discover a sense of belonging. Over these five years, we’ve witnessed countless moments of triumph as students mastered the wheel, fired their first pieces, and shared their creations with pride. Our workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations with talented artists have built a vibrant community that fills me with pride every day.
The challenges, including the pandemic, tested our resilience but also strengthened our bonds. They reminded me of the incredible spirit and determination of everyone who has walked through our doors. From those difficult times, we emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and an even deeper appreciation for what we’ve built together.
Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement for the future. We have so many dreams for the next chapter: expanding our workshops, collaborating with new artists, and continuing to nurture the incredible talent within our community. The possibilities are endless, and I am so eager to see what we will create together. My goal is to make this school not just a place to learn but a true hub of inspiration and artistic innovation.
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. To our students: thank you for trusting us with your creativity and for bringing your unique energy into our studio. To my amazing collaborators—you know who you are—your support, expertise, and friendship have been invaluable. Special thanks to Julia Kwok, Tom Darby, Helle Odegaard, Nuria Carrascal, Agus Grrigou, Maryia Virshych, Miriam Seguí, Fip Tonkins, Maria di Mario, Nicolas Arroyave Portela, Juan Orti, Paola Masi, Vicente Rivera, Trinidad Contreras, Raul Moure, Liz Stretch, Sergi Pahissa, Laia Pla, Mily Vuela Sola, Mike Martino, Paula Gertel, Fraser Cameron, Tan Teck Alvin, whose contributions have shaped our school in countless ways.
To my partner, you have been my rock through it all. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and love have kept me grounded even in the most chaotic moments. To my two beautiful daughters, thank you for being my constant source of inspiration and joy. Watching you grow and create reminds me of why this work matters so much.
And finally, to my father. You were my first mentor and my guiding light. Losing you last year was one of the hardest moments of my life, but I feel your presence in everything I do. This school carries your spirit, your belief in hard work, and your endless curiosity. Thank you, Dad, for everything.
As we celebrate this milestone, I am overwhelmed by the love, creativity, and resilience that defines our community. Here’s to the past five years, to the lessons learned, and to the future—bright, bold, and full of possibilities.
With all my heart,
Corrie Bain
