Drawing from an eclectic life journey that spans professional realms, Deanna Kjorlien brings a unique perspective to her ceramic art. With a background of eighteen years in professional advertising photography, she honed her skills with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Transitioning into ceramic art, Deanna carries forward those journalistic and one-dimensional art principles, infusing them into her clay creations with a fresh perspective and boundless creativity.

Through her ceramics, Deanna endeavors to evoke a sense of connection and reverence for the land and sea that inspire her work. Working predominantly with high fire porcelain, she employs a variety of firing techniques, including both oxidation, reduction and crystalline glaze firings, as well as raku and saggar firing. This diverse approach allows her to explore the full spectrum of ceramic possibilities, from functional ware designed for everyday use to decorative sculptures that serve as visual narratives of her deep appreciation for nature.

Nestled on Fox Island, where she resides with her husband of over 21 years and her three teenage sons, Deanna finds endless inspiration in her surroundings. Her creations are imbued with the essence of the Pacific Northwest, especially the marine life that call the Salish Sea home.