DENISE MCDONALD

DM Pottery | CERAMICIST

Bio

Denise McDonald is a ceramic artist and the maker behind DM Pottery, a practice she established in 2009 focused on the creation of functional ceramics for everyday living. Based in Sydney, Denise works from her studio in Randwick, producing small-batch handmade pieces that combine technical skill with distinctive surface design.

Her connection to clay began early, shaped by childhood experiences of making and experimenting with found materials. This early curiosity developed into a lifelong practice, leading her to train in potteries in both England and Australia, and to complete formal studies including a TAFE diploma and a design degree.

Denise’s work is characterised by a unique approach she describes as “slab throwing,” where textured slabs of clay are formed on the potter’s wheel. Her surfaces often incorporate botanical motifs, including flannel flower, banksia, and fern patterns, drawn from both the natural environment and historical design sources. These textures are complemented by her own range of richly coloured glazes, developed to enhance depth and visual complexity.

Working independently, Denise continues to refine her practice, creating functional objects that balance durability, beauty, and a strong sense of material presence.

 DM Pottery

Artist Statement

I make functional ceramics designed to be part of everyday life—objects that are used, handled, and enjoyed over time. My work is grounded in traditional pottery skills, but I am equally interested in exploring new techniques and processes that extend what clay can do.

A key part of my practice is a method I call slab throwing, where I bring textured slabs of clay onto the wheel. This allows me to combine the immediacy and movement of wheel work with the richness of surface pattern. I often use botanical motifs, including flannel flower designs inspired by my home, along with banksia and fern textures that reflect my connection to the Australian landscape.

Glaze is another important element in my work. I develop my own glazes to achieve strong colour, depth, and variation, enhancing the tactile and visual qualities of each piece.

At its core, my work is about making objects that are both practical and engaging—pieces that feel good to use and that carry a sense of care, history, and individuality into daily routines.

Work

Current Exhibition

Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 9AM — 3PM

2026 Blue Mountains Pottery Fair

Wentworth Falls School Of Arts

The Blue Mountains Pottery Fair returns in 2026 for its seventh year, celebrating the talent, diversity, and creativity of potters from across the region and beyond. Held in the beautifully restored Wentworth Falls School of Arts — an Arts and Crafts era treasure set right on the Great Western Highway — this annual event has become a favourite destination for ceramic lovers, collectors, and curious visitors alike.

Denise McDonald's profile at the BM Pottery Fair