In conversation with Nathalie Edwards, founder of The Mill, France.

A lady making ceramics — *Nathalie Edwards*

This is the first in my new series of interviews with people who also have a thing with ceramics! Nathalie is the founder of The Mill in France which sounds like heaven on earth. You can go there for a 3 week Creative Residency in the French countryside with other liked-minded creatives. Residencies in 2025 include a wood-fired kiln building course, writers retreats, a raku ceramics course, Creative Residency with Guest Artist Victor Pedrosa, co-founder of the awesome Rescued Clay, a Creative Residency with Super Mundane (love his work!) and another Creative Residency with Rob Ryan (also love his work!)

Here she answers the who, why, when, where, what questions that will make up these interviews and gives us an insight into what lead her on her creative path. Please have a read and then browse The Mill France website to find out more about this awesome creative business.

Looking through trees at The Mill in France — *The Mill, France*

Who - are you?

I'm Nathalie, born and raised in London, mother of three adults. I have a BA Hons in Interior Design & Architecture which I gained in later life. I worked for many years as a Project Manager in Luxury Brands & High End Residential while bringing up the children. I identify as a Creative.

Why - do you also have a thing with ceramics?

I've always been a creative person, with an appreciation for all things art/creative/made - despite no formal arts education. Art was not valued in my childhood household as I was growing up.

In adult life that changed, I signed up to do various evening classes to learn new skills and I made sure that my children were exposed to as much art as possible with regular visits to museums and exhibitions. They are all very creative individuals.

When - did ceramics come into your life?

As the kids got older and needed me less, I became a workaholic. One day I had the realisation that work was not fulfilling me creatively and that I need to 'make' again- so I joined another evening class, this time a beginners pottery course at The Camden Working Men's College. My passion for making ceramics became obsessive and after joining Ricky Grimes Studio in North London, I eventually dropped my PM work down to 4 days a week (whenever possible) so I could spend more time with my hands in clay. Before long I was so obsessed and it was all I wanted to do. I needed to find a way to do more pottery and earn a living (I never wanted the pressure of having to sell what I make).

Ceramics coming into my life really did totally change my trajectory and it’s how I ended up moving to live in a 300 year old Mill in south west France for more space and a more creative way of living in harmony with the seasons - that was 6 years ago.

People making ceramics — *Ceramics retreats at The Mill*

Two ladies in masks next to an outdoor kiln — *Ceramics in action!*

Where - can we find you on a typical day?

That depends on the time of year. Summer sees The Mill full of artists on our Creative Co Living 3 Week Residencies. Specialist pottery courses, writers here on week-long retreats or people here on Pottery retreats, river swims and eating outside. I am lucky enough to work most days alongside other artists here on residency. Winters are quieter here and I enjoy hibernation as long as I can, fewer river swims but I still try to get in at least once a week for a few minutes. Autumn and winter are my months for making ceramics and planning for the upcoming year.

Exterior of The Mill, France — *The Mill, France*

What - are your plans for the future?

In the near future an exhibition of my 444 Goddess Sculptures (these are a work in progress due for completion this year). I have other ceramic projects waiting to come forth!

I'd like more time being an artist and less time wearing all the hats needed for running one's own business. As The Mill becomes even more established I'd like to hand over the work with the land/ garden to someone else and have a volunteer programme in place for assistance with running the studio, events and PR/marketing. I'm open to a meaningful relationship with someone who is equally inspiring and creative and is keen to share in the vision. I would like to offer an exchange programme with other artists around the world - the dream being to spend a few months in a Japanese Pottery Studio! The potential of The Mill to keep growing as a place for other artists to come is super exciting.

Oh, I also want to have the first draft of my book completed by Dec 1 2025 - I've made a pact with 2 other writing friends that we would all have our first drafts completed by then... what was I thinking!! So many things!

Ceramic female forms — *Goddess sculptures*

Ceramic female forms on a table — *Goddess sculptures*

A displayed group of porcelain vessels — *Porcelain work by Nathalie*

The Mill France website