Summer 2023 brought the incredible opportunity for me to begin a new body of work. For two weeks, I lived and worked in the 17th century village of Montmorillion, France in a studio that was once a medieval metal forge. This unique residency had me digging up my own clay near the edge of a small lake, sifting and refining it by hand, and finally wood firing the pieces on a magical, blustery, Autumn-like day. The raku firing infused the clay surface with carbon-staining and ashy goodness, creating a rich ancient texture.