About six months ago I decided to take pottery lessons. I was in desperate need of a creative outlet that would not only physically prevent me from working, but one that would also occupy my mind so I wouldn’t think about it either. You see, I have a tendency to work - a lot. For the most part it’s incredible. I’ve been self employed for the majority of my adult life and absolutely love what I do. But what I’ve realized over the last few years (yeah, slow learner) is that I must set aside time to nurture my creativity. Like, actually write it in my calendar. After trying several creative outlets I finally stumbled upon the one that is perfect for me - making pottery.

I’ve been having a love affair with handmade ceramics for years now, and the work of one particular artist has captured my heart - that of French potter, Thierry Doublet. He has been crafting beautiful objects since the 1970s in an unassuming workshop situated in the middle of nowhere, France. How I was first introduced to his work was by way of a casual alfresco dinner on the stone terrace of a centuries old chateau. The owner of the chateau, a marvelous chef, and his lovely wife, served glasses of chilled rosé and the most delicious piment d'espelette shrimp presented in one of Thierry’s large handmade shallow bowls. Sounds dreamy, I know. And it was. Almost immediately, I became obsessed with learning about the ceramicist that created the gorgeous bowl - and how I could add his pieces to my own collection. The very next morning I found myself driving the backroads of the French countryside, making my way to his studio. In the years since I first discovered his work, I have returned again and again each time I visit France.