Check Out Denise Oldfield’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Oldfield.

Hi Denise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For years, pottery sat quietly on my “someday” list, until August 2019 when I signed up for a one-off pottery class, not realizing how profoundly it would change my life. From the first touch of clay on the wheel, I felt something awaken — a blend of peace, challenge, and pure joy.

That single class turned into a passion. By November, I was enrolled in a beginner’s wheel-throwing course, eager to learn and grow. Then came March 2020 — and like so many others, my newfound rhythm came to a sudden stop. But the pull of clay never left. When studios reopened that June, I was back at the wheel, more determined than ever.

I’ve always said that creating pottery is a true lesson in surrender and patience, which I learned very early on. Over the next few years, I immersed myself in the craft. I spent hours in the studio, experimenting, developing my skills and attending workshops that deepened my skill and curiosity.

In 2023, I took another leap and brought the studio home. I bought a wheel, carved out a creative space, and began working from home in the spare moments I had between career and parenthood. It was here that Pottery Girl Ceramics truly found its rhythm.

PGC was officially born in 2021, after gentle nudges from friends who followed my pottery posts online and encouraged me to share my work with others. What began as a small creative outlet soon evolved into a full-fledged passion project — one built on joy, mindfulness, and connection.

For 31 years, I taught kindergarten, which in many ways isn’t very different from creating pottery—involving patience, presence, and heart. When I retired in May of this year, I knew I’d be able to devote more time to creating with a lot more space for intention, flow and intuition. Each piece I craft carries joy, love, and intention — my wish is that whoever brings it into their home feels that energy. in May of this year and have begun to establish a new normal where my pottery takes a more dominant role.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Finding time in a busy schedule with limited studio hours in a sometimes crowded studio was one of the biggest challenges. Another challenge was sharing kiln time with the studio, waiting patiently for my pieces to reach the next stage. Once I transitioned to my home studio, the challenges there were space, set up, placement and finding a kiln service.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For 31 years I was an elementary teacher, which I ended a few months ago when I took an early retirement. I taught 1st grade and kindergarten, using my creativity to created an engaging, safe and inviting classroom environment for my students.

Since retiring in May, I’ve been trying to establish the new normal which includes my pottery as well as travel and other interests.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been so fortunate to have had so many cheerleaders and support as I’ve navigated through my pottery evolution. My teacher colleagues were great supporters, buying my pieces consistently and sharing who I was to create more exposure. Of course my family has been an amazing support system and my boyfriend Greg has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. He has told me he notices a difference in my voice and demeanor when I have completed a wheel session.

Pricing:

• Pricing varies from piece to piece

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.potterygirlceramics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potterygirlceramics?igsh=ZnZsMTQwZTl5bGNr&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@potterygirlceramics841?si=uXngA0t9pymZkhhp
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@potterygirlceramics?_t=ZP-90WQVTPwYqU&_r=1