Creating, designing, and making are intrinsic to who I am. My work is rooted in the hands—meant to be experienced both visually and physically. I draw inspiration from natural forms, landscape, and travel, all of which continually shape my perspective and inform my ceramics.

My relationship with clay began in childhood through city-run classes and deepened when my parents gifted me a pottery wheel as my high school graduation present. In college, I spent several semesters working on the wheel and studying sculpture, while figure drawing became a lifelong passion. The dialogue between clay and the human form continues to guide my work—when material and form come together, it feels like pure magic.

Ceramics returned to my life during an especially demanding chapter while I was designing products and textiles at Petunia Pickle Bottom, a company I founded in 2000. While the creative and business growth was exciting, it was also intense. I began carving out a few evenings each week to work with clay purely for joy. Returning to ceramics restored a sense of calm and reconnected me to the simple pleasure of making.

I later studied under Mark Churchill in Ojai, where I learned the methodical rhythms of wheel throwing—patient drying, thoughtful trimming, embracing the unpredictability of the kiln, and discovering the quiet magic of glazes.

After selling Petunia Pickle Bottom to a private equity firm in 2019, I transitioned into full-time making in my home studio. I cherished that season, especially while my boys were young. As my ceramic practice grew, I began envisioning a space to expand—one that could support larger work, a small gallery, and community connection.

At the end of 2025, I renovated and moved into DeNai Jones Ceramics Gallery & Workshop in historic downtown Ventura. This space allows me to create, teach, and share my love of ceramics with others.

Visit the studio:
365 E Santa Clara Street
Ventura, California