I’m a ceramic artist, Ayurveda practitioner, yoga teacher, and author based in Paradise Valley, Arizona. I create unique works from porcelain and black clay - inspired by ancient artifacts, raw nature, and the timeless beauty of simplicity. My work has been described as spiritual, soulful, primal, and contemplative. I playfully describe it as “Fred Flintstone meets the Dalai Lama.” Each piece possesses a primitive elegance and spiritual resonance that blends ancient sensibilities with modern design. My work appeals to collectors, interior designers and those who seek objects that bring texture, depth, warmth, and presence to contemporary spaces and inspired interiors.

I’m drawn to forms that feel timeless, influenced by Japanese ceramics, prehistoric archeology, and ancient utilitarian vessels. My making process is meditative and attentive, guided by deep listening and intuition. I prefer wood firing, allowing the fluid and natural alchemy of fire and ash to create movement and variation – enabling each individual piece to express its own experience of transformation.

Ceramics and Ayurveda require an intimate understanding of the elemental forces that govern the human body and the natural environment: earth, water, fire, air, and space. I approach clay as a living substance that connects us with natural forces and our ancient ancestors. As our primordial predecessors must have had, I have a profound appreciation and respect for the matrix of elements and processes of evolution that transmute clay into utilitarian vessels and works of art. Whether functional or sculptural, my work is meant to be lived with—quiet forms that support nourishment, ritual, and reflection in daily life.

I grew up with a kiln in my mother’s home studio where she made slip cast pieces, exquisitely painted. She was my first ceramics teacher. I’ve been informally trained, inspired, and mentored by many master teachers including Hebrona Perzov, Takashi Nakazato, Kazu Oba, Jason Hess, Heidi Kreitchet, Tiffany Bailey, Andrew Smith, and the woodfire community of Northern Arizona.

Please enjoy browsing through these images. If you’re drawn to a piece and want more info, or to schedule a viewing appointment, please let me know!

I’m looking forward to seeing you.

Reach me at:  deb@studiogarland.com, https://www.studiogarland.com, and @studio_garland