In Winter of 2023 I help build a salt kiln, which very unique firing process-adding salt directly at peak temperature over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. I liked the look of natural, unglazed clay bodies with this process; the build up of salt looked like the texture of a toad so I made some. The first toad was made as a gift for my father. When I was young my father would catch toads while on his work shifts and bring them home for me and my sister. I like to picture him, a large man, bent over coaxing a toad into a cup, then proceeding to drive around with it all day in his work truck. 
The initial kiln firing date was set for around the holidays and I was preparing to gift my toad, however due to kiln complications it was delayed. My father unexpectedly passed away before I could hand him my toad. 
I made a mold of the toad I created for my father; and am now able to replicate the one I made for him. It brings me a lot of joy through my grief when they resonate with people.