Laurène Elliott-Deyris is the owner of Terre Noire (French for Black Land) in Taylor, Texas. She is a clinically trained herbalist and her loose-leaf herbal tea blends, herbal extracts, and body care products are all made with the finest organic ingredients, she often grows or wildcrafts many of her herbs, including beeswax from her own hives.

Her ceramic art is botanically inspired, offering useful small dishes, spoons, and small bowls made from porcelain, black clay, and Taku-fired objects.

1. Why did you move to Taylor?

My husband and I moved from France to the Austin area to be closer to family in 2015. Not wanting to be in Austin proper, we found Taylor to be a good size for us with a lot of potential and knew it was going to be up and coming in the next few years. We were right! It’s a fun and quirky little town with good vibes and great people. We love being part of a community and supporting local businesses.

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

For me, nature is an essential part of my creative process. Spending time with plants, swimming in natural bodies of water, walking in deep forests are all ways for me to resource myself, meditate and connect with the botanical world. I’ve worked in a few different mediums from photography to ceramics and the common theme in my work has always been nature inspired.

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

1. To have patience and grace with myself… the artistic journey is a long one.

2. Currently learning more about processing wild Texas clays and cannot wait to bring that to Terre Noire.

3. That I’ve become quite intolerant to heat.

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I’m currently reading Asia Suler’s book Mirrors in the Earth and it is divine.

5. Cake or Pie?

Always pie. 🙂

Follow Laurène on Instagram and Etsy

Instagram @terre.noire
Etsy TerreNoireCreations

Let’s Keep in Touch!

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1. Why did you move to Elgin?

The housing market led me to Elgin in 1989. Humorously, at the time, I was appalled by the costs of a small bungalow in Travis Heights and Hyde Park in Austin. Now, they are sky high! But I do enjoy living in downtown Elgin and have made many great friends here! And I am thrilled so many artists are moving to this area!

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

It makes me happy. I feel a need to create. Some people make music, some write, some dance. I need to create something with my hands. I become completely absorbed. I enjoy the process of making changes and seeing where they take me. My initial idea may wharf into an entirely different idea by the time it is all over. Or several new ideas. And then, it keeps on going. It is very relaxing for me. I also spend a lot of time researching oddball things, so it becomes educational as well!

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

A lot has happened in the past five years. The pandemic definitely added challenges that we did not face before. Politics have everyone on the defense.

We are all scared/uneasy about something.

It is so much easier if we help each other, so reach out to someone. Be that person. I knew this before, but it is so important now.

It is okay to end that toxic relationship, even if it is family. Enough is enough.

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I am currently working on my Life Trophy series (mixed media) and “pierced” hearts (paper clay). I just finished reading The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott. I am also actively involved in The Elgin Arts Association, the Explore Elgin Arts and Culture event, and the Dia de Los Muertos festival.