Before I left, lots of folks were asking what exactly was I going to be working on while I was in Iceland. I had 2 goals coming into the artist residency at the Fish Factory - Creative Centre.

The first was to explore what my pretty recognizable style of functional pottery - color palette, slip trailing technique, and shapes + ornamentation - might look like as wearable ceramics / accessories made from clay. Also planning to look to the Icelandic landscape and plants to inspire any new designs.

The second was to translate my work into black porcelain - yep, big switch from the usual pastel palette. I experienced work by an Icelandic artist made in that material last August when traveling here with family. That work has been stuck in my brain and I've been looking forward to a chance to try my forms and decoration in that material.

With a couple days under my belt, pieces intended for the body are starting to emerge. I don't know what I think of them yet. I do know that it is very empowering and freeing to have this time to play in the studio. Test out ideas, explore different techniques, and dust off my jewelry making skills and tools. The only deadlines and expectations are those I'm setting for myself. It all feels pretty magical and super special to have this opportunity.