This piece was one of several that were inspired by the shapes and forms of west African houses, storehouses and granaries traditionally made of fibre, sticks and clay of local origins. These pieces were constructed over 20 years ago with various stoneware and porcelain clays. Some were painted with white clay slip, others with coloured stains or not at all. From their raw state they were fired very quickly in a gas kiln to about cone 4 to 5 and then salt was introduced into an atmosphere of alternating oxidation and reduction. The kiln was left to cool normally. Many pieces developed cracks and fissures. While this normally would be classified as a failed firing, the forms were so evocative that I saved them all for a later day when I might be able to salvage something of value with some new idea or technique. “Winter Light” is such an outcome. It was glazed inside and was refired in an electric kiln. In the intervening years the salt from the first firing had soaked into the unvitrified clay body. Upon refiring to a higher temperature, the salt fluxed (melted) parts of the vessel to the point where this pot was beginning to collapse. Opening the kiln was at first a disappointment until began to appreciate what had happened and the extraordinarily beautiful outcome.