I should be in the Studio making pots for our upcoming show in Peoria, Illinois, at the end of September, but instead, I'm outside hunting for the fruit of the pawpaw tree. These trees, native to North America, grow wild all over our five acres. This time of year, I can smell the intense, sweet, thick smell of the ripe pawpaw fruit hanging from a branch or having fallen to the ground, where it's quickly savored by ants devouring the custard-like flesh. The flavor of pawpaw fruit is often compared to bananas, but with hints of mango, vanilla, and citrus. We could have named ourselves after these trees—PawPaw Pottery—instead of our black walnut trees, the namesake of BlackTree Studio Pottery. But my fascination with the pawpaw is seasonal, while while our towering blackwalnut trees, which surround the studio, inspire me year round.

Stoneware Oval Platter (14" x 10.5" w x 4" h at tips): hand-built with an edge of stained iron oxide clay with potter's thumb prints. High fired in our reduction kiln. Pawpaws have a custard-like texture.Their large black pits have been removed (top right). I've found recipes for pawpaw pudding, breads, and pie.