I have just returned from a trip that deeply inspired me, to the heart of two iconic pottery villages in France: La Borne and Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie. Every step, every workshop, and every encounter reminded me why I am so drawn to clay: it creates invisible yet powerful bonds between those who shape it.
I was truly moved by La Borne and its atmosphere. This village is an exceptional place for ceramics. Since the 13th century, potters have been working the earth and wood-firing it there, carrying on an ancestral craft with an authenticity that you can really feel. I was struck by the quality of the clay, the raw beauty of the workshops, and above all, the energy of the artisans who live and work there.
But what will remain etched in my memory is the generosity and openness of these potters and artists. They welcomed me into their studios, sharing their techniques, their secrets, their doubts, and their joys. Exchanging with them and feeling the passion that goes into every piece is to understand that ceramics is much more than a trade: it is a connection, a common language, and a way to relate to others and to time itself. Seeing how knowledge is passed down from generation to generation, and how each person reinvents it in their own way, is deeply moving.
Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie offered me a different perspective: more lively and contemporary, with its galleries and workshops open to the public, it reveals the creativity and boldness of those who innovate while still respecting tradition. There, too, the exchanges were rich and enlightening.
This trip gave me a fresh breath of inspiration for my work. It reminded me that ceramics is a bond, a shared experience, and a community fueled by curiosity and generosity. And of course... I came back with my suitcases full of pots, which I proudly declared as "research and development" purchases!
There is something magical about seeing how the earth—humble and universal—can unite hearts, cross borders, and create authentic moments of connection. These villages, these workshops, and these artisans gave me much more than just images or objects: they gave me living inspiration and a sense of deep gratitude.
