While in Italy to attend Salone del Mobile, we took a side trip to Florence for a couple days to decompress from the fast pace of Milan Design week.
One of our favourite artists lives and works in the Tuscan countryside just south of Florence, so we of course had to pay a visit – little did we know,
it would turn out to be the highlight of our trip. 

On a sunny spring day we boarded a train for the small town of Castiglion where we were warmly met at the station by Christiane's daughter Pauline.
From there, we drove into the picturesque countryside and on to the home and atelier of Christiane and her husband Kaspar. Situated on the top of a hill,
and with several acres, the property is an absolute dream – stunning views of the Tuscan landscape abound. A souring tall stone structure that was formerly
a chapel is now the Atelier with the couple's residence located at the back. 

We were greeted by Christiane and Kaspar in their kitchen where they were preparing us lunch. We sat and talked and enjoyed the delicious food – it was
truly lovely to engage with them and be treated with such great hospitality.

After lunch, we began our tour of the atelier. It was amazing to see Christiane's work in all its stages, from the raw clay to the finished bowl, vase or dish.

The pure, handmade forms are brought to life with the glazes that give each piece it unrepeatable uniqueness. Obsessed with colour and possessed 
with a six sense for discovering and developing hues that have rarely, if ever, been seen in stoneware, Christiane has carried out her research with
high-temperature ceramic glazes in this location for over 40 years. 

The atelier was filled with beautiful ceramics everywhere you looked, we listened intently to the stories behind their creation. Luckily for us, some were
available so we made our selections of pieces we wanted for Provide and look forward to their arrival soon.

Thank you Christiane, Kaspar and Pauline for the wonderful experience – we hope to return one day.