Fabiola Leaves The Great Pottery Throw Down

31 January 2023

Q&A with Fabiola:

 

Walking onto the set on the very first day, did you feel nervous or excited or was it a combination of both?

It was a combination of both.

 

Was the set as you thought it would be from seeing previous series?

I think it looked smaller.

 

What age or time in your life did you start pottery and who inspired you? 

I started pottery 5 years ago but only at the weekends and I started because I was looking for some therapy to help me with my lupus.

 

Can you say something about the best piece of pottery you have ever made, even if it was your first piece - and any memories that are attached to it?

Yes, I made a double wall vase, and I was carving the outside wall, but it broke in the middle. I was looking at the vase and I decided to keep it because it made me think that you can be broken, but you can be strong at the same time.

 

Where do you make your pottery, do you have a shed or a workshop that you share?

I have a shed, but I do not call it that, instead I call it a studio. This is a place that makes me feel happy without pain or stress.

 

What is your favoured technique – hand built or thrown – or both and give reasons why?

Although I am a wheel thrower, I like to use all the techniques.

 

Pottery is usually a relaxing hobby and a lengthy process so what was it like to be working under quite strict time constraints that first week?

Once I touch the clay, it makes me feel relaxed, therefore it was fun and lots of adrenaline.

 

What is your favourite piece of pottery that you make for friends and family, and do you get any special requests around Christmas or birthdays?

I love to make fruit bowls and decorate them and also donut flower vases. I get lots of requests for both pieces.

 

Biggest personal disaster for you making something and did it hit your own bucket of doom?

When I made a sculpture of a man dancing a Colombian traditional dance, I left it close to the wall of a table and a picture frame fell onto it.

 

Who would you most like to make a piece of pottery for?

I would love to make a piece for a Colombian ballet dancer with his movements carved on it because he is an example of a resilient, motivational to achieve your goals.

 

Are you a messy potter or do you keep everything clean and tidy?  What was your apron like by the end of the first episode?

I try to be a tidy potter but, on the programme when you are under pressure, you do not have time to tidy up

 

What was the camaraderie like between the Potters on set and off set?

It was a good friendship, we were excited.

 

Which Judge did you want to impress the most [or both] and why?    Did you find Siobhán a great support when the going got tough?

I wanted to impress both the judges because I knew I will get their feedback that will help me for the future. Siobhan was an incredible supporter and I really loved her.

 

Did you enjoy being in the midst of pottery country in Stoke, and filming at the Gladstone Pottery Museum - did it inspire you?

I did enjoy every moment in Stoke and everything around inspired me more.

 

How hard was it to keep a secret?

Very hard.

 

Are the potters good at keeping in touch, and what do you think bonds you so well?

We are in touch, and we share the same love for pottery.

 

Do you think your pottery friends or work friends will be surprised to see you on television?

Absolutely because they don’t know the passion that I have for pottery.

 

Overall comments of the series:

What was your best and worst moment overall in the series, and why?

Best moment: Working with clay in general

Worst moment: I don’t have any worst moments!

 

Favourite challenge of the whole series and least favourite?

Favourite: Dancing box

Least: Raku

 

What do you feel you learned the most from taking part in the series and what will you take away from your experience on The Great Pottery Throw Down?

The experience in the series made me feel that I was taking an accelerated degree in a short time, and I am taking away the judges' comments, the support of the production and the friendship with the other potters.

 

What is next for you, and what are your hopes and ambitions in the world of pottery?

I hope to be able to teach and help people through pottery to feel better as a therapy.