WILD CLAY

To be immersed in the process, as a form of rebellion in the world obsessed with the end goal. To take from the Earth only what we need, to create, not 100 of the same products, but small, unique batches; each vessel a conversation with the material to honour the invisible. To buy not many, always new and more—but intentionally. To love what we have.

I go into the woods. Scout for new terrains, search for wild clays. When I take from the land, I give back small offerings, clay guardians and usually tea. Where I live, you can find at least 5 different kinds of clay. I use some of them for slips, glazes, and some for clay bodies. I dig it up, process it and then create, create, create.

Finally, there’s fire. A full night of wood firing can’t be done on my own, this process asks for community. We create a ceremony, stay around all night, tell stories, talk about the world and give offerings to the fire and the earth. I’ve been working with clay for 6 years now, woodfiring 5. I’ve helped with building three woodfire kilns, and I’ve fired them many times.

Doing that, the time stops existing. It loses its meaning. I go into a different state of being.