Hello and welcome to my page, I am a Ceramic Artist
A Burnaby-based ceramic artist, Denise obtained a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in 1999, majoring in ceramics; she first established a studio near Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The recipient of numerous awards, she has exhibited her work in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Washington State and British Columbia. After moving to British Columbia, Denise became involved with the ceramics community in BC, serving as President of the Potters Guild of BC (2012-2015) and the North West Ceramics Foundation (NWCF) (2016-2018). She currently serves as Treasurer to the NWCF. Although working in clay can often be a solitary occupation, Denise enjoys working with artists from other media backgrounds allowing her to stretch, grow and think outside her own processes and practice.
Contact Details
Jeffrey, Denise
Burnaby, BC, Canada
Samples of my work
Artist Statement
I have always enjoyed how my ceramics connect people. Often, I have had the privilege to hear stories about how one or more of my pieces have become part of people’s daily lives or special events, whether bought as gifts or self indulgences. Growing up in Canada’s smallest province, surrounded by water and now living near the Coast Salish Sea of British Columbia, I have lived my entire life near the ocean. I am informed and re energized by the intertidal edges between land and sea where one can walk everyday and see change, be it erosion or deposition. My current work consists primarily of functional ware such as vases, cups, and bowls of various sizes. Created from white porcelaneous stoneware, each thrown piece is decorated using texture and cobalt inlay. The deep texturing and/or carving is highly influenced by coastal rock formations, allowing shadow and light to play off each other for an additional level of depth and interest that is reflected on the interior of the work. The Blue & White decoration is influenced by the aesthetic originating in the Middle East and Asia and further developed in Europe after the 17th century. Motifs commonly found on textiles and patterns from nature, be they geometric or organic, from plants to rocks, including Tafoni, also inform the decorative aspects of my work. The goal is to create pieces that can be appreciated for their form, colour and feel, and used every day at home.