Davide Pintus

I’m originally from Italy Sardinia and I’ve lived in London for 12 years. My motivation for moving to the UK was that I didn’t have much to do in Italy, my brother opened a restaurant here so I came to help out. Eventually we sold the restaurant just before Covid and for the next few years I had a range of jobs and now I’m currently a manager for a charity shop in Canary Wharf. The charity helps young people find employment. I’ve taken the leap of faith to start doing the things I want to do for example starting the ceramics course. 

I first heard about the course when I was doing a bit of research on Google, it’s very near to where I live now near Lisson Grove so I went ahead and enrolled onto the course which was fairly straight forward. I have ADHD and pottery is one of the few things that I can do for hours without losing my concentration so I decided it was worth studying to a higher level.   

My favourite aspect of the course is it’s very practical. There is a certain amount of writing and tracking your progress which doesn’t come naturally to me, but I find it very useful. I usually skipped the planning stages but now I do it. I also enjoy the clay material you can remould repeatedly and experiment as much as you like.  

My Tutor Jo is pretty hands off but on hand if you need help. It is a course where you can only really learn by using your hands. There is a limit you can be taught with words. Later I would just like to practice using the wheel just an intensive course for that.  

My greatest achievement at WAES is the variety of projects I have completed. Even being able to communicate with everyone in the community and being in a social environment in general.   

In terms of this course making an impact in my community and my future, I have sold some of the things I’ve made here in the charity shop that I work for which has been fulfilling to see. I’m not quite sure yet if I will pursue ceramics professionally or as a hobby but I do know I am interested in doing a intensive wheel throwing course next!

As part of my time here at WAES I’ve chosen to volunteer as a Digital Ambassador, the opportunity was mentioned by the Careers and Learner Development Team at the induction process. I’m not a whiz kid at computers but I can help those struggling with basic computer skills just like I help my 70 year old mother at home! Being a volunteer helps me with by communication skills by explaining certain techniques and process which will be beneficial for when I start coaching classes in my current job.