In the Spring of 2023, Erin Hupp and Chef Val Cantu of Californios came together on Moon Mountain in Sonoma to create a collection of pit fired ceramics. Chef Val and Erin humbly appreciated the pit-fire process as an adventure.

Preparation began with a trip to Tierra Vegetable farm to gather corn cobs from the farm that produces masa for the tortillas at Californios. Erin used corn cobs as fuel for the pit fire as well as colorants; the cobs burned black on the plates. She also sourced and worked with a special micaceous clay that can withstand the thermal shock and temperature fluctuations of the pit-fire.

After digging a 6-foot pit, Erin carefully filled it with wood and natural charcoal, ceramic plates and vases, corn cobs, and dehydrated fruit. For hours Erin and Chef Val tended the fire, creating a slow, steady rise of heat. As the fire progressed, Erin tossed horse hair onto the pottery as it fired, charring thin black lines onto some of the vases and plates. The pit cooled overnight and in the morning Erin and Chef Val slowly brushed ash off the ceramics to discover the unique and stunning pieces.