Spotlight on Francesca Geromino of Fra's Ceramics

From a corporate job in civil engineering to a passionate ceramic artist, Francesca Geromino's journey is nothing short of inspiring. At the age of 27, Francesca began dabbling in pottery as a hobby in her hometown in Italy. But her career as a civil engineer, which involved long hours in front of a computer with little to no social interaction, began to wear on her.

Seeking a break from the monotony, she took a year off and embarked on a transformative journey to London to pursue professional pottery. Today, she stands tall as a celebrated potter, with her works bearing the distinct touch of Mediterranean herbs and plants she's so fond of.
 

Getting Started

After her professional pottery course in London, Francesca found a nurturing space at London Studio Pottery, where she not only honed her skills but also understood the nuances of turning her art into a business. Her transition from an engineer to an artist was supported by a community of inspiring women entrepreneurs. And her biggest pillar of support? Her loving husband!

 

The Making Process

Francesca's ceramics are a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. She primarily uses stoneware white clay and employs handbuilding techniques, particularly slabbing and coiling. The unique imprint of real herbs, flowers, handmade laces, and hand-carved Indian wood blocks gives her pieces a signature touch. Ever the experimenter, Francesca also plays with bubble glaze and gold lustres to bring her vision to life.

Full-time Commitment

Dedicating her full-time to pottery, Francesca juggles between her business and taking care of her baby. But she's relentless in her pursuit of perfection, constantly upgrading her knowledge in online marketing to expand her brand.

Her botanical workshops are an extension of her personality – from the calming fragrance of lavender and rosemary to the intricate detail in every piece she crafts. Francesca curates an atmosphere of serenity and creativity, catering especially to women seeking a respite from their bustling lives.

Challenges on the Way

The path to success wasn't without obstacles. Francesca faced a devastating setback when a fire engulfed her brand-new kiln, causing significant financial strain. Yet, her passion and resilience saw her bounce back with even more vigour.
 
Looking Ahead

Francesca's vision for the future is crystal clear. She's on a mission to build her own studio and kiln, piece by piece. The local market holds a special place in her heart for its ambiance and the opportunity to connect with patrons who share her passion.

Special Offer
 

To celebrate her feature on our blog, Francesca is offering a 10% discount on her workshops and products. Use code "Code 10" when checking out on her website or connect with her on Instagram to witness her artistry in action.
 
For inquiries, collaborations, or to share your love for ceramics, reach out to Francesca at frasceramics@gmail.com.

Upmarket Art Fair - Saturday the 14th of October, 2023
 

Don't miss the opportunity to witness Francesca's artistic zeal come alive this Saturday, October 14th, at the 2023 Upmarket Art Fair.
As a featured 'Demonstration Artist,' Francesca will be captivating attendees by creating her art in real-time.

Take advantage of this chance to engage with her, ask questions, and marvel at her incredible creations!