Tom Cutter is a middle-aged sculptor who ekes a nominal living in New York City's art world. When an unexpected chance of a lifetime comes into his life and he begins developing a new artwork, he flashes back to being deaf in an all-boys prep school: the awakenings of his creativity and his first love. The past and present narratives diverge as he continues working on his commission, and his past becomes more relevant to the work he is creating. During the opening of the Cleveland exhibition, his artwork's deep significance is revealed with a surprising twist."The Clay Orchard" is an alternatively lyrical and fast-paced novel that embraces the creative spirit of becoming an artist while navigating relationships in a rapidly-changing world.